Brake Fluid

[04gpking85]

So I got the warning that says "brake fluid low" so I was wondering, does that mean that the brakes are going bad or I just need to put in new fluid? 04 GP GT2, don't know the last time it was changed, if at all.

 

[Toofastgs]

check your fluid levels

 

[WackyWRZ]

Usually the fluid only gets low because the pads are getting thin, and the calipers are pushed pretty far out. I love it how people keep the master cylinder full, and when they compress the pistons, its like Ole' Faithful!!

 

[99prixgt]

check your master cylinder/brake lines/brake bleeders for leaks, I kept getting that light in my old riviera, adding a pint of brake fluid a week and it turned out to be the master cylinder was leaking.

 

[Toofastgs]

Usually the fluid only gets low because the pads are getting thin, and the calipers are pushed pretty far out. I love it how people keep the master cylinder full, and when they compress the pistons, its like Ole' Faithful!!

That should have no ill effect on level since it is a minuet level. Not even close to causing a light


Could also just be a faulty sensor.

 

[pissedoff02grandprix]

Usually the fluid only gets low because the pads are getting thin, and the calipers are pushed pretty far out. I love it how people keep the master cylinder full, and when they compress the pistons, its like Ole' Faithful!!

That should have no ill effect on level since it is a minuet level. Not even close to causing a light


Could also just be a faulty sensor.

Actually I have seen this issue too many times to count, yes the lights will come on on any vehicle so equiped if the pads/shoes are at their final days due to the caliper being fully extended, the lines are long so think of how much fluid it takes to fill that line times four then add the abs system lines as well once you take all of that into aspect you will realize that the fluid is not a minute level but now a more dangerous level.
from years of experience first look for sins of leakage on the inside of your tires and rims, then look for any signs of leakage around the mating surface between the master cylinder and the booster, then pop of two wheels on one side and check the lining of your pads/shoes and inspect the rotor or drum for "racetrack" marks.
if the pads look more than 75% used I recommend changing them and don't buy just the cheapest ones or the "lifetime" pads the lifetime pads eat the crap out of your rotors and the cheapo ones cover your pretty wheels with all that carbon film we all hate.

and as well any more it costs about the same to buy new rotors and drums as it costs to have them turned.:th_thumbsup-wink:

 

[SyntheticShield]

I will have to say I too have seen the brake fluid level drop low enough to trigger the sensor when the pad have been extremely worn. And Ive made the mistake of filling it up and then replacing the pad to see 'Ole Faithful' as mentioned.

I havent been in the community as long as some, but I try to stay in tune with failure patterns and troubleshooting solutions and I have to say I have yet to hear of a brake fluid level sensor going bad. Im not saying it couldnt happen, but it would be far from my first suspicion.

 

[Toofastgs]

I have never had a brake light or low fluid due to gone pads.

I had my first set of pads on regal metal to metal and no light. Then one time on the prix had about 2 credit card thickness left on pads.

 

[04gpking85]

Well it turns out the rear brake pads were worn beyond the sensor and that's why it was doing that

 

[WackyWRZ]

Well it turns out the rear brake pads were worn beyond the sensor and that's why it was doing that

Come to think of it, I don't know that I have ever owned a vehicle with rear pads, that I have ever heard the rear squealers working on!

Also, usually the light won't come on from low pads, because the master cylinder is filled way above the "max" line.