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328 Brake Fluid Level Check

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by RussF, Apr 20, 2006.

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  1. RussF

    RussF Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #1 RussF, Apr 20, 2006
    I suspect that my brake fluid may be low because the brake failure light came on. The manual says to check the level without removing the cap against the marks on the resevoir. However I cannot see the marks. Do I have to take the black plastice shroud off to expose the resevoir? Also on the top of the cap is a button that says press to check level but nothing about what to look for after pressiong the button. Any thoughts?
     
  2. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #2 Mule, Apr 20, 2006
    I had trouble with mine leaking a few years ago and became very experienced checking the fluid. If you do not want to remove the shroud (pain to do) and can actually see the fluid from the outside, it should be just at the edge of the bottle where the surface goes from vertical to horizontal or a little lower. About 1/2 inch from the top on level ground. Too much and it will exit the tube on top and leave a little puddle on the ground, but that sort of self-corrects its level.

    Now, why is is low? Any leaks on the ground? I had a bad valve somewhere in the system that sucked fluid into the diaphram when running causing the light to come on. Then with the motor off it drained back into the resevoir and looked full. The sensor that makes the light come on is in the resevoir at the right level. Sometimes a hard turn will expose it or cover it with fluid causing the light to either come on or go off.

    On mine, the ABS light came on first when it was a little low, then the brake failure light when it was too low. I kept adding fluid, then getting an overflow puddle when I stopped. Hopefully, just a little low for you and no bigger problems. If so, I can hook you up with the solution (about $1000 in my case).

    If you top off the fluid and it happens again, there is something malfunctioning in the system, though it may not leak onto the ground.
     
  3. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    #3 Darolls, Apr 20, 2006
    Fluid level in the resevoir will decrease as the pads wear, this is normal.

    Sounds like you never checked the level before; how many miles have you driven the car?
     
  4. RussF

    RussF Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    222
    Washington
    #4 RussF, Apr 20, 2006
    I had the brake fluid replaced about a year ago and there is no evidence on the garage floor of spillage. Also the manual syas that when the light comes on that the cause is low brake fluid. It does not say that the front pads are worn although a number of posts that I searched say that the light also warns of pad about worn out.
     
  5. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
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    #5 Darolls, Apr 20, 2006
    Visually inspect the pads and, if they look good, top off the fluid and go on your merry way.

    If the light comes on in a short time, do a more intensive investigation.

    As long as brakes are functioning properly, you don't have a safety issue at this time.
     
  6. RussF

    RussF Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    222
    Washington
    #6 RussF, Apr 21, 2006
    Guys. The owners manual points out that the fluid level should be checked without removing the cap. I suppose contamination is the concern. As for filling the brake fluid resevoir however is it simple matter of removing the cap and pouring in new fluid all the while being very careful about not letting in any contaminents and putting the fill cap back on ASAP?

    Thanks again for everyone's help.
     
  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #7 f355spider, Apr 21, 2006

    Yes. Fill to slightly over the filled line.....anything below will occaisionally trip the light...did with my 328. Once properly filled, I never saw the light again.
     
  8. RussF

    RussF Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Washington
    #8 RussF, Apr 21, 2006
    Topped up the brake fluid and the brake failure light went off. Thanks to all for the good advice.
     
  9. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
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    #9 Mule, Apr 21, 2006
    Best of luck that it is a one time affair. Took me two years to diagnose mine.
     

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