About a month ago I had a low brake fluid level warning appear in my 997.1 C2S. I took it into the dealer for them to take a look at the brakes and to fix the problem. According to the dealer, the fluid was just low and they topped off the level free of charge.

Fast forward to today. The light came on again. I looked at the level as per the owners manual and sure enough, the level is just below the "min" marker.

Here's the question: Is it common that a 997.1 should loose brake fluid? I should also mention that I tracked the car for about 10 laps around mid-ohio last week, but I didn't push it too hard. I've never had a brake fluid level warning in any other car before, let alone twice in about a month.

In a pinch, can I top off the fluid level with any generic brake fluid? The dealer is about an hour away and I would like to save myself a trip if possible.

Thanks!

 

Have you noticed any leaks? What about pad wear?

 

I think you likely have a leak somewhere. I've never experienced this with brake fluid. Somewhat common with oil though.

 

Besides checking the brake components you should also check your clutch slave cylinder. It is also connected to the brake fluid reservoir.

 

Actually, checking my records, it has been more like 4.5 months since the last top off of fluid. Still, I wouldn't think it would really need any additional fluid absent a leak.

 

shouldnt leak at all. check your reservoir - and i would take off the frunk panels so you can inspect underneath it too.

 

There has to be a leak somewhere. You could pressurize the system with something like a Motive Brake Bleeder, and look for leaks starting with the master cylinder, then the reservoir, slave cylinder, ABS hydraulic unit, all 4 calipers, and all of the lines in between.

 

also look in the foot well area by the clutch pedal and under that rug.. I had a 944 once that leaked In that area from the clutch.... you really shouldn t be using that fluid... anyDOT 4 to top t off unless you know what s in there already.

 

Brakes fluid should never be " topped off " and am surprised the dealer did it. Brake fluid level will go down as pads wear but not to the point of needing more fluid. As others have already stated, the system is leaking and needs to be checked out ASAP by a competent mechanic.

 

As they said, it should go low only when your pads wear out.

You should probably find out where the leak is ASAP. Brake fluid can really damage metal finish really fast!!!!

 

AND if the level goes too low you will get air in the system causing an unsafe condition.

 

Silly question but are your pads down again?

 

Pads are like new. In fact, before this problem, a different dealer looked at my brake pads and rotors to try and diagnose a vibration at speed/braking (turned out my lugs were torqued too tight). Dealer said the brakes looked like the car had never been driven hard.

 

Others may have another ideas but if you can't find the leak, here's what I would do:

Go buy the blue-colored fluid. Flush your system and ensure it is flushed correctly. Watch and see if you go low again. If you go low again, at least you would find blue fluid wherever the leak might be.

Did you buy the car new? CPOd? As I said, fluid is very damaging so take care of this quickly.

Ps,
When you tracked your car, I wonder if you hit boiling point?