Brakes: 850: 5.1 brake fluid

[4130chris]

when I bought my 855 t-5 1994 it had 2 little bottles of 5.1 brake fluid in the boot, so I've been topping up with this - is this the right fluid? and is it normal to have to top up after 1000km (town driving included)?
thanks

[reevoanders]

Originally Posted by 4130chris

when I bought my 855 t-5 1994 it had 2 little bottles of 5.1 brake fluid in the boot, so I've been topping up with this - is this the right fluid? and is it normal to have to top up after 1000km (town driving included)?
thanks

Hi 4130chris

Yes, this is the highest spec dot brake fluid for our cars, but it should not be in the boot - I suspect that there is a leak somewhere so the previous owner was "ready" to top up, whenever, wherever. You should have a look and see what the problem could be. Could be a leak anywhere along your system. It's not normal to top up after 1000km - if things are working as they should, topping up has hardly ever need to be done.

Let us know how you go.

All the best.

[Jod T5]

Originally Posted by 4130chris

when I bought my 855 t-5 1994 it had 2 little bottles of 5.1 brake fluid in the boot, so I've been topping up with this - is this the right fluid? and is it normal to have to top up after 1000km (town driving included)?
thanks

if you are having to top up your level than you have a leak....imho there should never really be a need to top up your fluid at all between bi-yearly changes/20k.......
5.1 is good stuff tho....
cheers
jod

[ChrisGrant]

If theres a leak you need to get it SORTED NOW! if you put and lot of pressure on the breaks the line could brake leaving you with out brakes!!!!!!!

[reevoanders]

Originally Posted by ChrisGrant

If theres a leak you need to get it SORTED NOW! if you put and lot of pressure on the breaks the line could brake leaving you with out brakes!!!!!!!

Yes, I agree! In an emergency, it could end up disastrous.....

[bb54]

hi, id check the bleed nipples on each corner first as its an easy check.
it may well have had a change of fluid and not had nips done up correctly, or had the nips damaged.

if its a leak at a nipple/caliper it should be quite apparant as it stains and looks constantly wet.

wayne

[ChrisGrant]

Good call very easy check! but don't play around with them too much just make sure its not losing it from there and don't over tighen them! not sure of the rec for NM tightness!!!!! sure someone could tell you!

Probably 5Nm only.

You should be able to notice fluid leak around the calipers if leaking there.

Another thing about that fluid in the boot, its probably been in there undone for ages so will have absorbed water and so when you sort the leak, change all the fluid for fresh I would do.

BTW the only reason the brake fluid level should go down is because the friction material wears out, but that is so slow that I am sure you would not even notice it after just 1000km or so.

Pete

[4130chris]

Have checked all the bleed nipples and they seem dry (haven't taken the wheels off though).

So...

where is this liquid going? If I had a leak the loss of pressure would mean that I had no brakes, right? My brakes seem to work fine....

Part2. Is it okay to mix brake fluids (dot4 and dot5.1)?

have a good weekend (what's left of it....!)

[Jod T5]

ok..so if its not leaking from the brakes check the clutch, master cylinder, slave and under the battery tray where there is a join....dont forget the brakes and clutch share the fluid.....
cheers
jod