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YACT: Can i just add brake fluid?

S

stevens

Senior member
My brake light periodically comes on when i drive and i checked the black fluid level and it is just at the min level. Will i mess up anything by just adding more fluid? Should i take the car to a mechanic and have the brakes bled and stuff like that? Also will it hurt anything if i add brake fluid but it wasnt the same brand of fluid that was already in there (i have no idea what brand of fluid is in there now that is why i ask) BTW This is for a 1991 Volvo 740 wagon if that matters. Thanks
Steven
 
your brake fluid should be between the min and max lines when the cap is on. on your car i'm assuming it can take dot 3 or 4 and you don't need to worry about matching the brand of brake fluid you already have in there.
 
Be careful when adding brake fluid. If you overflow the brake fluid it can and will tear your paint right off of your engine bay.
 
You should take it to a mechanic and get the fluid flushed and bled. You should take notice to get your brake fluid flushed every two years, because brake fluid absorbs moisture. Also, if the fluid is low, it could also mean you may have a leak, or your brake pads are worn out.

If you are concerned about the compatability, just make sure the fluid is DOT 3 or DOT 4 rated. It is fine to top off with this. However, like mentioned earlier, low fluid is often a sign of other brake relted problems.

If the fluid is very dark, then get it flushed. Brake fluid should not be very dark or black, should almost be a light golden/clear for most brake fluids out there (there are some that are different colors, like ATE Super Blue, but generally for racing purposes so its easier for the people to flush and bleed the system).
 
I'd suggest you check your brake pads while you're at it. Usually low fluid + brake light coming on means that some of your pads are really worn down.

My brake light only lights under those situations.
 
Add some fluid and take it to a garage for an estimate. Tell them the fluid level had dropped and you want it checked out. Hopefully, they'll locate the leak and give you a price to fix it. At that point you could do it yourself, or go ahead and let them fix it. At least you'll know where the fluid went.
 
Originally posted by: stevens
Would a screatching sound when ever i brake be due to low brake fluid or worn brake pads? Thanks
Click to expand...

you need your pads replaced... and i hope its not the metal to metal grinding sound either because that will cost you.
 
That's the wear indicator, or even your rotor being trashed. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves or cough up a few bucks. The leak is probably a cylinder.
 
If you need to get new pads and rotors, get them from an online parts discounter. Much cheaper than brakes shops would charge and a lot cheaper than dealer. It's often better to get new pads and rotors then to just turn or resurface the old rotors.

Importecparts
Alloemautoparts
 
Originally posted by: CraigRT
yeah, could be metal on metal at that point.. = not a good thing
Click to expand...
That happened to me in my Crown Vic. I didn't know that one of my pads fell apart. The next thing I knew is that when I hit the brakes they make a nasty scraping sound.

Took my rotor with it. :|
 
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