The brake warning light came on in my XH panel van the other day, so I checked the fluid and sure enough its very low.
The owners manual specifies Motocraft R1-39A fluid, but I have a bottle of moble fluid around here somewhere.
My first question is, I know you can't mix the fluids but is there a way to drain the existing fluid out of the system and refill it all???
or is it easier to go and buy some of the motorcraft stuff (probably cost me an arm and a leg) and be done with it???
Second question is, why TF would it be using brake fluid? There are no notciable leaks anywhere that I can see, but I'd like to track down what is happening to it. Anyone had this problem before?
As they wear down more fluid will be retained in the pipes/pistons and not in the reservior.
To drain just bleed brakes while refilling with fresh fluid until the new fluid is seen at the bleeder - start at the wheel furthest from the reservior.
Just note that you cant simply drain and refill with brake fluid. You have to pump a little out and then put a little new fluid in, as RAPTOR has said. Definately a 2 person job.
Not sure what the story is on mixing the two, I thought it would have been ok... no real hassles.
Regarding mixing brake fluids I would issue a word of caution. Yes you can mix the same types of brakes fliuds but you can't mix synethic brake fluids and normal brake fluid.
XH, First thing is i highly doubt your brakes are leaking fluid. As the pads wear the piston takes the float hence the fluid goes down on the reservoir. When you put a set of new pads it should go back up to original level maybe a tad less.
I must admit i tend to top up the brake fluid so i know theres ample fluid for the brakes to work to it's potential. But when i change the pads i make sure that some of the fluid is taken out to prevent spillage.
About mixing brake fluid it's all good just make sure it's the same DOT rating either DOT3 or 4 don't mix the different DOT rating together. The colour of the fluid is a dye.
I use the Castrol stuff which is clear.
__________________
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AUII Late Ed XR6 HP T5 Venom- Full Tickford Body Kit, 17in Wheels, Herrod Bi-plane Spoiler, Momo Steer/Gear, T-Series Interior Options, Premium Stereo and a very light-tuned 4.0L I6
(FPV-Tickford Club of NSW Member and Co-Founding Member of 3FB Inc, Ford Forums Food Bandits)
Thanks all very much for your reply's, much appreciated :s4
While checking all the brake pads (which seem to be ample 3-4mm on most) I noticed a broken hose which connects to the brake lines sitting on top of the diff. I presume this is where all my fluid went :crazy1: When I get my digi cam back I'll post a pic of where I mean.
While I had the wheels off I checked the operation of all the calliper pistons which were all good. While trying to take off one of the wheels I found a wheel nut which had been cross-threaded (curses wheel places and their air guns) which made things fun :crazy1:
So all I've got to do now is get some fluid that is the same type or DOT rating.
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Brake Fluid???
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