Brake Fluid Level Remains at Minimum Despite Replenishment Efforts

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ford_fiesta98
Junior
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:45 pm

Greetings,

I recently saw that my brake fluid level had fallen below the minimal threshold. My brake pads and discs passed the MOT and service conducted in August. I have travelled around 2,300 miles since that time.

I put a little amount of Ford Original Dot 4 LV Liquid. However, it seemed not to converge into the primary reservoir, and the level remained within the minimal threshold. I started the vehicle and depressed the brake pedal, but it proved ineffective. My brakes are functioning well, and I have not seen any unusual sounds or warning indicators. The car's braking system functions adequately.

Could you assist me in identifying any further aspects I should examine or may have overlooked? What is the process by which the fluid enters the main reservoir after a top-up?




Thank you.
GoodBoyCar
Moderator
Posts: 161
Joined: Wed May 05, 2021 9:35 pm

A leak may exist in the clutch hydraulic circuit.
ford_fiesta98
Junior
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:45 pm

Would that result in the fluid not being replenished? Merely inquisitive. Examining the link between the brake and clutch systems.
GoodBoyCar
Moderator
Posts: 161
Joined: Wed May 05, 2021 9:35 pm

If your vehicle is not equipped with an automatic transmission, the hydraulic connection to the clutch is positioned above that of the brakes.
ford_fiesta98
Junior
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:45 pm

Indeed, my vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox and a 2.0 TDCi engine. Completed 128,000 miles, hence likely time for maintenance. Anticipating a garage repair with trepidation.
matthewlightburn
Moderator
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 11:45 pm

The fluid may be seeping into the brake servo. If the clutch line were leaking, it would deplete the reservoir. It is essential to inspect for any leaks in the brake lines; nonetheless, I would anticipate that a leak in any line will deplete the reservoir.
ford_fiesta98
Junior
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:45 pm

Thank you, my friend! I will get it inspected at a garage. I will provide a report thereafter.
Gorrillaas
Senior
Posts: 73
Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2020 6:25 pm

A brake leak may completely deplete the system, however the clutch feed pipe is positioned somewhat higher, preventing a loss of braking functionality in the event of a clutch leak.
matthewlightburn
Moderator
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 11:45 pm

Indeed, based on my own experience with a leaky clutch line, gear shifting becomes difficult owing to the clutch cylinder lacking enough fluid. The original poster did not indicate any issues with the gear transitions.
ford_fiesta98
Junior
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:45 pm

There are no problems with gear transitions. My vehicle had a clutch and dual mass flywheel replacement at 104,000 miles. The one concern with the clutch at now is the persistent noise from the release bearing, which has been evident since its replacement.
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