Brake fluid overfill?
 

Hi guys, tonight when i wanted to charge the battery I saw a lot of brake fluid all over the place and i don't know why, i took some pics of the problem and it looks like there is too much atf in the reservoir...

http://i56.tinypic.com/jq17cz.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/11h52t3.jpg

Thanks for you help!

ps. recently i have changed the brake pads if this helps

Did you DIY your own pads?

Did you check the fluid level before the pistons were squeezed back to fit the new pads? If you had added brake fluid during the life of the previous pads when they were wearing down, and didn't take some out of the reservoir when you changed pads, the excess fluid will back flow when you push the pistons in to fit the new pads. Most people note the overflow when they go back and change the fluid through the reservoir and notice all the overflow.

I didn't check the fluid. What should i do know?

Thanks!

Just to clarify, you didn't change the brake fluid during your pad change?

You can just use a syringe and pull some fluid out. This usually happens if you had added some brake fluid during the life span of the previous pads. When the pads wear thin, the fluid level may look a little low. Most people/dealerships will add a little additional fluid to the reservoir. Then when you put new pads in, and push the pistons in to fit the new, thicker pads, the fluid back flushes into the reservoir. Doesn't seem like much volume, but if all the pads were worn, it can be enough volume to cause the problem you describe.

bob

Alex just take out a little out bit until the level is to the full arrow... OOps sorry bbywu...Just do like bbywu is telling you to... It is going to be OK!!!

FYI on cars with ABS never push the pistons back with out cracking the bleeder (on the caliper) and letting the fluid go into a coffee can or something like that..pushing the fluid back can
clog up the abs ports and then your SOL..$$$$

Alex - As the others have said, this is just because you pushed back the pistons when you inserted new pads, and that made the fluid level rise. It's easier to suck out the fluid with a syringe if you pry out the little screen on top. If it's only a little overfilled, you can soak it up with a paper towel. You have a lot there, so the syringe is the way to go. My car is pretty picky and throws a brake fluid level warning when it is less overfilled than yours is.

Jon

Yes Bob, I have chaged the pads. Thank you for your help, much appreciated!

Thanks JP, Tonka858 and Jon! :)

Just use a 3/8 tube and bleed some of the fluid out (have someone press the brake while you loosen and tighten the nut); f1crazydriver did this for me...

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p.../110115008.jpg
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p.../110115013.jpg
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/p.../110115015.jpg

Thanks Eugene!

+1 MY996TT
only way to avoid damage to your ABS system.

Hope it helps Alex.

Doesn't this only work before you install the new pads? Once you compress the system and it backflushes (as Alex has reported) why not just use a syringe and take out the overflow from the reservoir? The backflushing has already occurred.

bob

I'm no expert, but this is how I understood it... doing this on each wheel (starting from the farther one from the MC) is good for your braking system. Heats from the brake can build up moisture in your brake fluid (the portion closer to the brake) which become what's known as Wet Boiling Point. After you flush the fluid, you'll get back closer to the Dry Boiling Point which can withhold higher temperature.

Bob, I took out with a syringe the extra oil from the reservoir and after I made a long trip to the mountains when i got home everything looks ok, thanks again for your advices.