Brake fluid level? (1 Viewer)

[2002TLCyes]

Had to replace a rusted brake line and everything seems to have gone well. Just noticed that to add fluid, it says to pump brake pedal 40 times and then add fluid. After doing this, I turn key on, pump works for about 35 seconds and stops. Level remains between min and max. I remember before changing this brake line, my level was always at max, with engine running. Is this indicative of a problem now? Do I have air in the system? Both rear bleeders of mine are completely clogged. So I couldn’t use them properly. I just unscrewed the bleeder enough for the fluid to run down the threwads and then closed it back up. I don’t see any leaks and the pedal feels fine. I took it for a test drive and no problems. Should I worry about the fluid being between min and max while engine is on? Or should I fill it to a level above max to compensate for it dropping when the pump pressurized?

 

[Tres Toys]

The purpose of pumping the brake pedal 40 times is to relieve the stored pressure/fluid in the accumulator. With the pressure relieved you want the level around the max line, but not over it. When you put the key in and the booster pump stops running, the level will drop down between max and min. If you then top off the reservoir to max level with the system pressurized, there is a risk that it could overflow later when the pressure is relieved. This may not happen if the fluid is cold, but combine that with the thermal expansion of the fluid when the brake system gets really hot and it could be a problem. Brake fluid is some pretty nasty stuff that you don't want getting all over things in your engine compartment. Best practice is to follow the FSM.