low brake fluid indicator 2001 montana
eaglehawk
04-05-2007, 08:18 AM
my low brake fluid indicator light comes on when i first start it up and will go off after i have used the brakes a few times. i am on vacation and really do not want to mess with them if i do not have to. there is a slight release noise on the rear brakes on occasion. i have replaced the front pads and service by the dealer at about 50K. the rear shoes have not been replaced at about 89K. there is no noise when i apply brakes but i know the rear pads are probably about worn out. i would like to wait until i return home to service them or should i have them inspected and by who? please advise. what should i look/listen for? although the low fluid indicator goes off after a while it seems it takes a little longer. i have checked the level in the resevoir several times already and it appears to be about half full. the location makes it difficult to tell for certain. the calipers make a thud noise when i release the brake occasionally. will this damage anything or should i go ahead and add a small amount of brake fluid to the resevoir?
i made it home with no problem. i am now searching for someone i can trust to look at the sytem and install rear shoes and check for possible leaks etc. any recommendations? i will be returning to florida from indiana in the fall. work is cheaper in indiana but i am thinking a national service center might be best for follow up etc.
I ended up replacing front brake pads and rotars but did not have any damage to rotors. The oem rotors had been turned once which made them extremely thin and my mechanic said the oem rotors are so thin he would not turn them at all.
i made it home with no problem. i am now searching for someone i can trust to look at the sytem and install rear shoes and check for possible leaks etc. any recommendations? i will be returning to florida from indiana in the fall. work is cheaper in indiana but i am thinking a national service center might be best for follow up etc.
I ended up replacing front brake pads and rotars but did not have any damage to rotors. The oem rotors had been turned once which made them extremely thin and my mechanic said the oem rotors are so thin he would not turn them at all.
HC2000
04-05-2007, 09:17 PM
Hi,
I would first check the fluid level. The reservoir is located on the drivers side way in the back. If you have to add fluid and do not have an extra long and tapered funnel, carefully tilt the fluid bottle to avoid the cowl and you can pour some fluid this way as long as you are pouring from a full bottle. The rear brake shoes should get you home. You can get an idea of the condition they are in without pulling the wleel and drum off by doing this simple test: The emergency brake sets your rear wheels only, so with the van on an incline and tranny in neutral apply the E- brake. If it holds securely and does not make any metal to metal scraping noises, I would feel safe to travel home. You should pull the wheel and drum off as soon as you can get back home to make your final call on the cond. of those shoes.
Regards,HC2000
I would first check the fluid level. The reservoir is located on the drivers side way in the back. If you have to add fluid and do not have an extra long and tapered funnel, carefully tilt the fluid bottle to avoid the cowl and you can pour some fluid this way as long as you are pouring from a full bottle. The rear brake shoes should get you home. You can get an idea of the condition they are in without pulling the wleel and drum off by doing this simple test: The emergency brake sets your rear wheels only, so with the van on an incline and tranny in neutral apply the E- brake. If it holds securely and does not make any metal to metal scraping noises, I would feel safe to travel home. You should pull the wheel and drum off as soon as you can get back home to make your final call on the cond. of those shoes.
Regards,HC2000
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