To people who like to top off their fluid levels:

[lostcause]

Please stop topping off your brake fluid. Unless you have to replace a leaky line, there's no need to add more fluid. When the level goes down it's not being used up or magically evaporating - it's just displacing the worn down brake pads and rotors. The level will come back up to full when you change the pads and rotors.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Does that mean I can't have a beer?

 

[Kioti Tom]

Sure you can. You can have several, but of couse, NOT until you have changed the pads and rotors or drums as needed. Don't want to put them on wrong and not have brakes when needed..Especially if pointed at the better halfs vehicle.

 

[TomSeller]

I wish my gas tank would fill up when I replace my worn out tires.

 

[Not a member]

Does that mean I can't have a beer?

Haha.... I'm going to "top off my fluids" later this evening!

 

[lostcause]

Does that mean I can't have a beer?

unless you fill your vehicle's brake fluid reservoir with beer then you're probably ok. i was just advising people to stop adding excess brake fluid, filling the beer belly doesn't usually make the same mess unless you overfill to the point of losing control of your bodily functions.

 

[wdchyd]

Does that mean I can't have a beer?

Have your beer when looking into why the brake fluid level is going down:thumbsup:

 

[Gary Fowler]

I had read somewhere that when replacing the pads that you should open the vent and drain the old fluid from the cylinder as you push it back so you can install the new pads. In other words don't push the old fluid from the brake cylinder back into your reservoir as it could be rusty and/or contaminated and might not be the best thing for your brake system. Instead let it drain to a container and then refill your reservoir with fresh DOT certified fluid of the correct type for your vehicle.

 

[ovrszd]

Gary, I've even read that fluid should be changed. Especially if it's discolored at all. Brake fluid wants to absorb any moisture it comes in contact with. A very unstable fluid. The true professionals will even say buy your fluid in small bottles. Once you open the bottle use it all. throw away any leftover fluid as it will asorb moisture sitting on the shelf in the unsealed bottle. If I'm bleeding a system with a vacuum bleeder I always throw away what fluid is caught in the process, never pour it back in the reservoir.

Brake fluid is a very unusual liquid designed for a difficult job. If you get brake fluid in your eyes you'll pour gasoline in them to flush it out. :shocked:

Also if you lay an open end wrench that's wet with brake fluid on your fender it will eat off the paint....... :ashamed:

 

[Not a member]

I had read somewhere that when replacing the pads that you should open the vent and drain the old fluid from the cylinder as you push it back so you can install the new pads. In other words don't push the old fluid from the brake cylinder back into your reservoir as it could be rusty and/or contaminated and might not be the best thing for your brake system. Instead let it drain to a container and then refill your reservoir with fresh DOT certified fluid of the correct type for your vehicle.

Yes... that is a good practice. And to ovrszd.. no lie about it burning. Always were safety glasses if poking at a dust boot on a wheel cylinder to see if it's leaking. Don't ask me how I know!