P38 brake fluid

hi all.

just had warning come up on dash saying low fluid, checked tank and it really is low, but dont no which type of brake fluid it takes, dot 4 i think but can anyone confirm the full name of the fluid???

and also the fluid aint been changed in quite a long time so was thinking of renewing it all. any ideas how much fluid i would need for that???

thanks.

try Synthetic Based Brake & Clutch fluid it mixes with most other brake fluids, its around a fiver for about 500 mills, that should be enough but you could buy a litre and save some for the clutch level if it ever needs it. or use it all and flush the whole system out. Also look for leaks below each wheel on the inside of the tyre and around the master cylinder, if your getting air in the system its leaking out or into the master cylinder, you may feel a spongy pedal or have to pump the pedal each time you brake. Brakes need to be keep in tip top condition so if your not sure go to a garage... some do free brake checks too.

mikey!!!! said:

hi all.

just had warning come up on dash saying low fluid, checked tank and it really is low, but dont no which type of brake fluid it takes, dot 4 i think but can anyone confirm the full name of the fluid???

and also the fluid aint been changed in quite a long time so was thinking of renewing it all. any ideas how much fluid i would need for that???

thanks.

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2litres of DOT5 will flush and give a much better feel.

juiceyv8 said:

2litres of DOT5 will flush and give a much better feel.

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thanks i will look for some tomorrow.

dougdotcom said:

Also look for leaks below each wheel on the inside of the tyre and around the master cylinder, if your getting air in the system its leaking out or into the master cylinder.

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Hi, sorry to dig this old thread but this morning I found this on the front inside left tire (picture below)... So if I am following you on this one, I have "Air" the brake system right? Could it be something worse (God please NO!)?

Range Rover P38 4.6 HSE Brake Fluid leak front tire (Picture)

The Air could be the explanation since I changed the ABS Pump and Brake Booster 3 weeks ago... Also since then I made 1000km and never found such leak.

Love to hear your thoughts on this!

Thanks

Never known air to rundown a tire like that. If the fluid is dot 4 then you have a leak on that wheel. Check the pipes into the caliper - if they are good then maybe the caliper pistons need attentions. Either way if fluid is escaping then air is getting in but the air getting in isn't causing the fluid to escape - if you know what I mean....

SpacePig said:

Hi, sorry to dig this old thread but this morning I found this on the front inside left tire (picture below)... So if I am following you on this one, I have "Air" the brake system right? Could it be something worse (God please NO!)?

Range Rover P38 4.6 HSE Brake Fluid leak front tire (Picture)

The Air could be the explanation since I changed the ABS Pump and Brake Booster 3 weeks ago... Also since then I made 1000km and never found such leak.

Love to hear your thoughts on this!

Thanks

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Air in the system won't cause a leak. Maybe when the work was done they have not nipped the bleed screw up properly. In any case wheel off and take a look.

wammers said:

Air in the system won't cause a leak. Maybe when the work was done they have not nipped the bleed screw up properly. In any case wheel off and take a look.

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Thanks!

mikey!!!! said:

thanks i will look for some tomorrow.

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Do NOT use DOT 5 in your car - it is not designed for it - nor is the ABS system calibrated for the different viscosity of silicone fluid. Silicone fluid does not absorb moisture - which means yo end up with unmixed water in the lowest points of the system - which can lead to total brake failure when it boils.

If you want to "upgrade" your fluid use synthetic DOT 5.1 (often called super DOT 4 to avoid people mistaking it for DOT 5) some makes are harmless to paintwork - which is a bonus - other than that normal DOT 4 will be fine.

So I am good for a Brake caliper overall on this wheel, good thing that I am also schedule to do both front ball joint replacement before the Inspection...

I wanna know if the person suggesting the use of DOT 5 fluid and the person accepting the advice are still alive!

spacepig, that looks to me more like shot halfshaft oil seal and the liquid is front diff oil. Check if it has an oily "feel" to it

chort said:

spacepig, that looks to me more like shot halfshaft oil seal and the liquid is front diff oil. Check if it has an oily "feel" to it

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The oil that comes out of it is really clean and look brand new (unlike the Front diff oil that has never been touched I am afraid)

Screen Shot 2012-09-20 at 1.05.27 PM.png (here you are a picture of the oil on my finger)

But the car is in the garage now since I need to fix a few them and have the Shaken (MOT) schedule for next week and I am sure that will find what's wrong (unfortunately ). But thanks for your advise!