Fluid in M/C on the rise
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Michigan
Fluid in M/C on the rise
Can anyone tell me why the fluid in my master cylinder has risen to the point of seeping past the cap? I do my own oil changes so it wasnt some grease monkey adding fluid. and I know that m/c level is a good indicator of pad wear so I dont adjust the levels! Any thoughts?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Houston, TX
Usually, this is only seen after replacement of pads/shoes. However, I'll assume you haven't done a brake job on your '03. If that is true, you might consider the possibility that water is entering the system and adding volume.. thus raising the apparent level on the M/C.
I'm not terribly familiar with these Fords, as I've only had mine for a couple of weeks.. however, I do know that on most brake systems, there will be a vent of some kind on the M/C permitting the fluid to lower without creating a vacuum.
Ordinarily, there is a rubber boot to isolate the brake system from the atmosphere, preventing water vapor from entering the system.. however, if it's damaged or mis-installed you will provide a pathway for water vapor to enter.
As most brake fluid is hygroscopic (attracts water) you will find the need to flush and replace the fluid at regular intervals. I believe only DOT 5 is non-hygroscopic.
Personally, I believe it's virtually impossible to prevent the introduction of water into any system over time. Thus, I feel that flushing and replacing the fluid is an important maintenance function. Usually, I do my vehicles once a year.
Frequently, people neglect the maintenance of their brake systems beyond the usual pad/shoe replacement, and suffer degraded performance, brake line corrosion (from the inside), corroded calipers, and radically shortened component life.
I hope this helps you, -Matt
I'm not terribly familiar with these Fords, as I've only had mine for a couple of weeks.. however, I do know that on most brake systems, there will be a vent of some kind on the M/C permitting the fluid to lower without creating a vacuum.
Ordinarily, there is a rubber boot to isolate the brake system from the atmosphere, preventing water vapor from entering the system.. however, if it's damaged or mis-installed you will provide a pathway for water vapor to enter.
As most brake fluid is hygroscopic (attracts water) you will find the need to flush and replace the fluid at regular intervals. I believe only DOT 5 is non-hygroscopic.
Personally, I believe it's virtually impossible to prevent the introduction of water into any system over time. Thus, I feel that flushing and replacing the fluid is an important maintenance function. Usually, I do my vehicles once a year.
Frequently, people neglect the maintenance of their brake systems beyond the usual pad/shoe replacement, and suffer degraded performance, brake line corrosion (from the inside), corroded calipers, and radically shortened component life.
I hope this helps you, -Matt
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Joined: May 2000
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That sounds interesting. Lightnings have very sensitive brakes and the ABS kicks on often. I've never seen the fluid level rise on any of my F-150s. I do see seeping caps regularly. I've never read a post similar to this, so I would suggest monitoring it.