This will sound dumb, but I've never had to work on my brakes before. If my brake fluid is low, does it just mean I need to add more or is it time for other maintenance on the brakes? I figured it was about time to check the pads before I realized the fluid was low anyway. Also, is there a certain type of brake fluid I need to use? It's a '99 4x4 XLT. Thanks for your answers.

 

Hmm probably could just add. And then check your pad wear. Also I think its just DOT-3 Brake fluid.

 

If its that low you may want to check for a leak somewhere while your in there.

I did what your doing, a pad inspection. Went from a pad inspection to all brand new brakes - have fun.

 

DOT3 fluid. I never ever add fluid to any of my vehicles unless it is lost because of a leak. if you are low on fluid and you have a good pedal, you have either worn pads or worn shoes. inspect your front pads and rotors and rear drums, shoes and hardware, properly adjust the rear brakes and replace any parts that are worn.
If you compress the pistons, the brake fluid you just added will barf right back out. When the pads and shoes are not worn out, the fluid will be full. theoretically you should never have to add brake fluid, but once every two years i completely flush the system because brake fluid is hygroscopic and collects moisture, which lowers the boiling point significantly

 

"MYTH # 6 - The brake fluid reservoir should be topped up during routine service.
In most modern passenger cars, the brake fluid reservoir is designed with a specific volume and is equipped with an internal float. The volume corresponds to the amount of fluid that will be displaced when the pads have worn to the point of replacement plus a generous reserve. When the replacement point is reached, the descending float completes an electrical circuit and a light appears on the dash warning the driver that the pads should be replaced.
If the brake fluid is topped up the first warning of warn out pads will be the screech of steel backing plate against iron disc. This will be both annoying and expensive."

From: http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...rakedisk.shtml

 

unless you have squeel bars then thatll warn you

 

thank you earl43p, you explained it much better than I did

 

Not to hijack, but my resvoir is to full i think, theres always some around the lip thats collected as it ran down the plastic resvoir....I wipe it off, then when i check it again its leakes out some more...??