I am going through brake fluid like crazy?

EVERT BRIGGS

MEMBER
1999 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
118,000 MILES

I did as you all stated and disabled my ABS and got my cruise working again, but now I am going through brake fluid like crazy and I can't find any leaks. I Have had to fill the master cylinder three times in the last two to three months. I was a mechanic for 6 years with firestone tire and service centers in canton and akron ohio and had ase certifications in brakes, (got out of the business in 2000) but this is stumping me. Could the accumulator for the abs system just be filling up and causing the reservoir to drop below the min mark and have the light come on? The only thing I can see that is damp is the switch on the bottom of the master, but it is not leaving any puddles nor is it soaking any of the engine underneath it. I have the connector off and jumper like I found to do on your site. Is there anything I maybe over looking? Thanks, Evert Briggs.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

If you are adding fluid and it is just going low all the time, there has to be a leak somewhere. As if the system is sealed, it will only use a certain amount of fluid.

The best course of action would be to do a thorough inspection of the brake lines and all the connections and components.

One of the common places the brake fluid can leak and stay undetected is the rear wheel cylinders.
It will be a good idea to specially inspect the wheel cylinders by removing the brake drum.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-wheel-cylinder

The leak can also be from one of the brake hoses and it is possible to have the leak only as the brake gets applied, so this may not have fluid dripping while the vehicle is parked.

I have attached a diagram for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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