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Yes, but you might be just fine. Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 9 Sep 2002 22:11:29
In Reply to: Re: Is having too much brake fluid harmful?, MS, Sun, 8 Sep 2002 21:18:42 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Pajjammn (OK, pronounce that!) may just be on to it.
You didn't tell us what year car you have. But what the heck, we all love a mystery.
If your car Does Not have ABS (87 and earlier, usually), you have a standard vacuum assist. The FULL level is near the top of the reservoir. A little over isn't a big deal. But if it's near the top and your brakes are worn, when new brakes are put in, some of that fluid will have to be siphoned off. Pressing the pistons back in to accomodate the new, thicker pads means that fluid has to go somewhere. And I'm not a believer in letting brake fluid just flow out and chew up the paint.
If your car HAS ABS, then things are different. The ABS system (and brake boost for the power brakes) uses pressurized brake fluid stored in an pressure accumulator - the sphere sitting on top of the master cylinder. When the car is off, this pressurized fluid leaks down (perfectly normal), and that fluid flows into the reservoir. The level increases. When you start the car, the ABS pump runs, pressurizing the accumulator. The fluid level in the reservoir DROPS.
With an ABS-equipped car, you'll notice that the FULL line reads "FULL with Charged Accumulator". The proper way to check the level of the brake fluid is to start the car and wait for the ABS pump to stop running. THis is usually 15-20 seconds after the ABS and Brake Fluid lights go out. THEN look at the level. It should be at the FULL line near the bottom.
If the car has been sitting a while, like overnight, the level will rise up to near the top of the reservoir. That's normal.
If you overfill the reservoir, when the accumulator leaks down, the fluid level will rise and overflow the reservoir. You'll get brake fluid all down the engine compartment. This eats paint, and some insulation. Get some on your hands and touch the exterior of the car, and you'll have nice, permanent fingerprints. Great to verify it's your car if it's stolen, but not very pretty.
posted by 12.90.16...
, Mon, 9 Sep 2002 22:11:29 <-- Viewing This Message
, Mon, 9 Sep 2002 07:40:05
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