7 replies to this topic

[Samwise777]

Just a quick one: my brake fluid reservoir was empty and i had spongy (useless) brakes, so I've topped it up. My brakes are slightly better and if I pump them about 10 times they are firm for a few minutes. What's my next step?- I want good brakes again do I need to bleed them? If so how easy is this to do? Cheers

[minimissionary]

It's absolutely imperative that you bleed them! You brake fluid has most likely dropped to a level where it has let air into the system. This air is being compressed whenever you depress the brake pedal, giving the 'spongy' feeling you talk about.
Leaving them this way could lead to brake failure under circumstances of heavy braking.
http://www.theminifo..._1#entry2283107

I'd recommend you buy a Haynes Manual as soon as possible. Best Mini thing you'll ever buy.

Also, how quickly did the brake fluid level drop? Maybe consider a leak?

Edited by minimissionary, 04 February 2012 - 11:40 AM.

[pdaykin]

It sounds to me like you have a more serious problem than will be solved by bleeding alone.

If your reservoir was empty you have a leak. You need to do some investigating to find out what it is.

I've always found that the rear brake cylinders are favourite for weeping.

Once you have sorted the leak, you will need to refill the system with fluid and then blead it to get the air out. The process for bleeding is pretty straight forwards, but the detail varies depending upon the braking system/age of your car.

The Haynes manuals will help you.

[minimissionary]

Sorry, did some editing and basically said what pdaykin said...

[Ethel]

Indeedy, you need to find where all the fluid went in the first place. If you lost that much it shouldn't be hard to track down, check the pushrod on the brake pedal, or the servo hose instead, if it has one. Most likely is a rear wheel cylinder - check inside your rear wheel & the brake back plates.

[dklawson]

While you do need to do as the others have said (and find the leak), do NOT drive the car if you have to pump the brakes 10 times to stop. You are asking for an accident if you do.

[bmcecosse]

You MUST NOT drive this car until you find the leak and repair it -and since the brake shoes will be soaked with fluid - new shoes too......

[Samwise777]

Yayy let's go shoe shopping