Brake Fluid Level...or is my Master Cylinder Failing?

[jdotlim]

First Photo is when the car is off, the second photo is when the car is on. I read on the cap that before filling the reservoir, you have to step on the pedal 40 times with the car turned off. I did that, and it went back up to max. So I never filled it up. Pedal feels a little squishy, car stops though. While driving, if I pump the pedal once, and then press it again. It feels tighter.

Changed brakes pads and rotors, did a flush 2 months ago. It did feel squishy then, but not like today. So I thought it was normal. I am sure this is not normal to have the fluid go away and then come back. People say to not overfill it, so I don't wanna add it. Any one have thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

[baggar11]

You are seeing the fluid level change because of the brake accumulator.

 

[jdotlim]

You are seeing the fluid level change because of the brake accumulator.

so the fluid change is normal. What about the squishy feeling on the pedal? and then it getting a little tighter after pressing down, releasing, and pressing down again?

 

[baggar11]

I would try re-bleeding. Check out this video for reference.

 

[nissanh]

I didnt use any tool. Just had the ignition on engine off and conventional method, press and hold the paddel and open the bleeder valve and close, simple.

 

[trdcorolla]

If the fluid is full when you turn the car off it's probably overfilled. With the car off, remove like half an inch of fluid. Put the brake fluid cover back on and pump the brakes 40 times. The fluid should go back up. Adjust it so it's at the full like after the 40 pumps.

 

[jdotlim]

If the fluid is full when you turn the car off it's probably overfilled. With the car off, remove like half an inch of fluid. Put the brake fluid cover back on and pump the brakes 40 times. The fluid should go back up. Adjust it so it's at the full like after the 40 pumps.

it isn't full, it is at max level when off, but lowers to middle of MAX and MIN when on. I am going to try to re-bleed the system again.

 

[trdcorolla]

If the reservoir is full after the car is off and after the 40 pumps, that is considered full. Once you turn on the car, the system fills the accumulator/booster with brake fluid so the fluid goes down probably 1/8 to 1/4 inches. From what I read on other brake threads your soft pedal could be from air or it might need a rebuild/new pump.

 

[jdotlim]

If the reservoir is full after the car is off and after the 40 pumps, that is considered full. Once you turn on the car, the system fills the accumulator/booster with brake fluid so the fluid goes down probably 1/8 to 1/4 inches. From what I read on other brake threads your soft pedal could be from air or it might need a rebuild/new pump.

i didn't realize being at max level means its full. if i took out half of inch of fluid like you said, the reservoir would be at MIN when the car is off. I attached the photos above.

 

[Usterzai]

I have the same problem of brake being squishy after the bleed, and I bled the system 2x. I am taking mine to Lexus for a flush. They are going to charge me 150$ for the flush.

 

[trdcorolla]

It looks like you set the level correctly already. Did you bleed until you saw no bubbles and tightened the bleeder while the pedal was still pressed down?

 

[jdotlim]

I have the same problem of brake being squishy after the bleed, and I bled the system 2x. I am taking mine to Lexus for a flush. They are going to charge me 150$ for the flush.

Let me know if that helps. I still have braking power. I’m honestly comparing it to my 07 4runner. It was squishy when I bought the LC in February. And I thought a flush and new brakes would fix it. But it didn’t. But then I saw the reservoir. Now it’s confirmed the fluid level is normal.

 

[jdotlim]

It looks like you set the level correctly already. Did you bleed until you saw no bubbles and tightened the bleeder while the pedal was still pressed down?

Yes. No bubbles. I might try to take it to the shop for another bleed. But I also read somewhere to measure the brake pedal and adjust if needed.

 

[KTScruiser00]

Curious what was the outcome? I am having the same thing going on.