Where did all the brake fluid go?

[TRXR4KDS]

The last few days, I've noticed that when getting into the car first thing in the morning, that the brake pedal seemed very hard, when depressing it to start, Afterwards, all is fine and everything seems normal, the car brakes fine, as usual, no squeeling. Last evening, I checked the brake fluid, and it is well below the minimum line. I know my brakes are just about done, planning to redo them this fall. Earlier this summer, my dealer told me I had 3mm in front left on the pads, 4mm on the rears. I have an 05 XRS Matrix with 70,000 km on it.So I have a few Q's.

1. Where did it go? I park in the same spot in the driveway and there's no sign of a leak.

2. Being a Sunday and the dealers are closed, can I use a generic DOT3 brake fluid that I could buy at the local Canadian Tire and just top it up?

3. I thought I read somewhere that this would be normal as the brakes wear down near the end of their life. Anyone guide me to this info?

4. Any other signs, or things I should look for?

Thanks for the advice!

[chuckles]

DO NOT TOP IT UP!!!!

when u get new pads....and compress the caliper, all the brake fluid will be pushed back into the master.

if u top the master now....and compress the caliper, their will be brake fluid everywhere!

besides there is a low brake fluid moniter...if is comes on u really need brakes or low on fluid.

[TRXR4KDS]

Yeah, it's a little below the minimum line, so I'll keep an eye on it. Time to get some pads and put on the new cross drilled and cryo'd rotors that are sitting in my garage.

[Redline]

Originally Posted by TRXR4KDS

Yeah, it's a little below the minimum line, so I'll keep an eye on it. Time to get some pads and put on the new cross drilled and cryo'd rotors that are sitting in my garage.

^ You just needed an excuse to put your new "toys" on, didn't you, TRX? j/k

Redline

[TRXR4KDS]

Excuse? Nah, I need to decide on the pads then find someone to help me put them on. Soon.

[naxxal]

Originally Posted by TRXR4KDS

The last few days, I've noticed that when getting into the car first thing in the morning, that the brake pedal seemed very hard, when depressing it to start, Afterwards, all is fine and everything seems normal, the car brakes fine, as usual, no squeeling. Last evening, I checked the brake fluid, and it is well below the minimum line. I know my brakes are just about done, planning to redo them this fall. Earlier this summer, my dealer told me I had 3mm in front left on the pads, 4mm on the rears. I have an 05 XRS Matrix with 70,000 km on it.So I have a few Q's.

1. Where did it go? I park in the same spot in the driveway and there's no sign of a leak.

2. Being a Sunday and the dealers are closed, can I use a generic DOT3 brake fluid that I could buy at the local Canadian Tire and just top it up?

3. I thought I read somewhere that this would be normal as the brakes wear down near the end of their life. Anyone guide me to this info?

4. Any other signs, or things I should look for?

Thanks for the advice!

Your brake fluid didnt go anywhere but your brake lines, usually low brake fluid is the best way to tell how much meat left on your pads, the less meat the lower fluid will go, this is usually an easier way to tell your brake pads are worn. Because not on all cars it is possible to check brake pads by looking through your wheels thats how most tell by looking at brake fluid resevour "correct my spelling".

1. If your brake pedal is firm when you apply it slowly and than doesnt sink to the floor and stays 1/2 way than it is all good.

2. If you apply your brakes slowely and after you are stopped and your brake pedal than sinks to the floor than you are loosing your brake fluid.

3. If you apply your brakes slowely and your pedal sinks right the way and goes all the way to the floor than it is either "Brake Fluid Master cylinder is BAd". Usually by pressing your pedal fast will stop but than sink all the way to the floor.

4. If you applied your brakes and your brakes dont work 1/2 way but than stops right before it reaches the floor than you have air in your brake system or "air bubles".

So far these are all conditions i have had experienced working on all of my previous and current vehicles.

[Smar969905]

go with ceramic pads, like what porsche uses. they will cost you a bit more, but they also will tend to do a little better for you than using traditional brake pads.