Brake Fluid Inspections

Brake fluid inspections are an important yet easy to perform vehicle safety check. Often car owners will complain about brake system problems, in particular about the way the brakes feel or sound. The car owner should have a basic education on things that they can check themselves as well as being able to recognize signs of a problem.

Checking the brake fluid is a good place to start and can tell you more about the condition of the brakes than you may realize. Brake fluid is the lifeblood of any hydraulic brake system and is responsible for proper operation.

Brake fluid not only serves as a lubricant to the many parts that it comes in contact with it also fights corrosion and rust in those components and brake lines.

On the negative side brake fluid readily absorbs moisture. This is known as a hydroscopic fluid, and is why brake fluid should be sealed properly and not stored in open containers.

Keep in mind that a mechanic should perform a complete inspection of the brake system including rotors, calipers, pads and road testing the vehicle to confirm any complaints.

But this doesn’t mean the average car owner can’t get involved with their own automobiles well-being.

Checking the brake fluid

Brake fluid levels are checked at the master cylinder. Most modern master cylinders have a plastic reservoir that holds the brake fluid. These plastic reservoirs usually have markings for low and full levels.

The plastic container is just translucent enough for you to actually see through and view the actual amount of brake fluid in the container. On some models the plastic is thick enough and the fluid is so clean it can be difficult to see.

In these cases you can take a flashlight and hold it up against the reservoir while you look through on the opposite side. The flashlight will illuminate the fluid and make it easier to see the actual level.

Note that if you plan to add any fluid that it is extremely important that you clean the master cylinder before you open it. You also do not want to leave the reservoir open for a long period of time. You must keep all dirt and moisture out of the master cylinder reservoir. And only install the recommended fluid type that is indicated on the master cylinder cover.

What the brake fluid can tell you

Brake fluid should be clean and a light golden color. You can open a new container of brake fluid to get a good idea of what it is supposed to look like and then compare your own brake fluid to it. Brake fluid that is dark or thick is a sign of contamination. This bad fluid should be flushed out and replaced. Contaminated brake fluid can damage important seals in the brake system.

Another thing brake fluid level can tell you is an approximation of the amount of wear on the brake pads and shoes. This will only work on systems that have not had fluid added to them. If you brake fluid is low then inspection of the pads and shoes should be performed.

As brake pads wear the pistons extend from the calipers further too properly apply the brakes. This leaves more room in the caliper for fluid. This fluid is supplied from the reservoir.

The more the brake pads wear the more fluid is held by the calipers and the lower the master cylinder level becomes. This is just a basic rule of thumb but if you do your own maintenance and you know you have not added to the master cylinder fluid level, it can be a sign that a brake inspection is necessary.

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