davidshaw291
10/10/2007 8:07:34 AM
Alright, I was a dumb@ss and didn't remove brake fluid from my system before changing the brakes and rotors on the front brakes like you're suppose to. I have the dual front calipers and as I compressed the last set, I notice what was probably brake fluid trickling down the inside of the wheelwell and realized what I did. I put it all back together and the brakes went back up to pressure after a couple of pumps. It seemed to run fine for a couple of days. I haven't looked under the hood, either. Frankly, I was too scared to.
Then, on the way to work, the 'ABS' & 'BRAKE(!)' warning lights came on and stayed on. I parked it and restarted and they went off.
Oh, '01 4x4, btw.
Did I do anything worse than purge a few oz of brake fluid from the system that I can just replace or did I likely scr*w myself? Anything I should inspect closely to make sure I didn't rupture? The warning lights are probably on because of low brake fluid, right? Any input is welcome, Amigos.
rriddle3
10/10/2007 8:12:46 AM
Low fluid will probably trip the light. Have you checked the level since the brake job?
BTW,
to the forum.
davidshaw291
10/10/2007 11:13:37 AM
No, I haven't lifted the hood yet.
What would likely happen if you compressed your calipers without removing some brake fluid?
rriddle3
10/10/2007 11:17:48 AM
You would push brake fluid out of the fluid reservoir.
davidshaw291
10/10/2007 11:31:32 AM
Oh, I'm pretty sure that it did, but is it likely to come out of the top cap or woud it permanently rupture sumthin. Thanks!
rriddle3
10/10/2007 12:13:13 PM
David, you're going to have to lift the hood and look. You should be able to see the spot where the fluid came out from the reservoir. I can't just make a guess without seeing it.
swartlkk
10/10/2007 12:43:52 PM
I've never removed fluid before, but I also don't add any fluid between brake changes on my vehicles.
Anyway, it is obvious that someone had added fluid. Now, hopefully you didn't crack the brake fluid res... I agree though, you have to get under the hood and inspect for leaks/cracks. It is possible that fluid just got onto the sensor in the res and has caused it to malfunction in some way.
davidshaw291
10/11/2007 6:03:22 AM
Ah....answer: Too much brake fluid, filled past the top marker and almost out the top of the reservoir. Siphoned out 1/2 cup and it appears fine now.
Man, WTF? I've never touched the brake fluid and best I can figure is it was overfilled when I got an oil change and transmission service two weeks. Odd, it was even done at a Chevy dealership.
Oh well, one for the books and thanks for your help!
