i just installed brand new brake pads (fronts) about a week ago. after the installation i still wasn't getting the results from the new pads so i checked the brake fluids. the fluids are exactly at the "min" level. this is a 2006 year model and i believe brake fluids has never been changed.

do i need to replenish my brake fluid? can this be done at home? do i have to flush out the old fluid and add new or can i just buy some and add to my existing fluid?

andy

 

Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years, so now is a great time to do it.
I'd get a Motive Power Bleeder and do it yourself.
http://www.motiveproducts.com/?gclid...FRBM5QodjhniJQ

 

I've heard every 2 years or 30,000 miles. But some people drive that in several months... Also, if you track the car, or drive in a moist rainy climate, then it needs to be changed more often.

I just ordered some Motul RBF 600 to get my brakes flushed, 3 bottles to ensure a full flush.

 

You can add more fluid if it is low. And as the others have said, it might be a good time to completely replace the fluid.

I'm not sure though what you mean when you say that you weren't "getting the results" you wanted. Can you be more specific/explain?

 

What pads were they? Most pads will loose the bite of the oem pads in favor of better modulation. If you weren't expecting that, it can be quite a shock.

 

As ofioliti said we need more information to better help you. You say the fluid is at the minimum now. It would have been lower before you pushed the puck back and if it was low enough for you to get air in there then that could be your problem. If not it could be a bunch of things like not bedding the pads right or worn rotors that you didn't change. And if you changed the pads to something aggressive they may need heat to work.

So. What pads? Did you change the rotors? What level was the fluid before you started?

That said, like the others said, it is time to change the fluid but if you don't need a bleed then that probably won't change the feel much.

Rich

 

Most pads require a break in period, to develop transfer film on the rotors - reaching their maximum braking potential.

Were new rotors installed? If not were the old rotors turned or resurfaced?

If there were previously used rotors on the front, and nothing was done to the firepath of the rotor to clean off the old transfer film, you may have a longer wait to get through the old transfer film - and bed on a new one.

As far as fliud goes, you would like to have it above minimum if possible.
Bleeding is somthing as mentioned above that should be done regularly.

Ate Superblue or Ate Type 200 (depeding on fluid color preferance) are relativley cheap, $12 a liter.
I also am a big fan of Motive bleeders.

Is the problem your experiencing a spongy pedal or a lack of bite as you brake?

 

resurfacing was done on front two rotors, they were within the sepcs so they did not need to be completely replaced. last time brake fluid flush was done was by previous owner who did this at my local dealership. i called the dealer and found out that it was done @ 23K (milage). I'm @ 45K right now.

Actually the brake feels much better now, I think it just needed some time for the pads to set in and etc... but it isn't completely quite.

 

As long as the rotors were cleaned up, your good to go. Depending on the pads, I have seen anywhere from 200-500 street miles until pads are at full potential.

Alex