This one's for a friend who doesn't have net access. She's got a 1990 Liteace, and her brakes went soft and useless the other day, scary with 4 kids in the car. She asked me to help, being a Townie expert (not!) and we put a bit of brake fluid in which seemed to sort it.

My question is, is it normal for braking to go off if fluid level is only a little low? It didn't take much to fill it to overflowing (we were doing this 9.30 at night in a dark lane, sorry). I've advised her to get it looked at ASAP by a pro, but I'd like to know in more general terms if this was the likely cause of her problem. I'd say from what little I could see that the level wasn't as low as minimum mark.

Thanks

- (#2865) SteveFE, 9 May 02

Steve. No, the brakes should not go soft or spongy because the reservoir level was slightly low but, where has that brake fluid gone and, has air got into the system ? Air is compressable, brake fluid is not so, I would suggest that the system is checked and "bled", at the first opportunity. There are a number of factors which can lead to these symptoms, one being that the brake fluid is very old and has become contaminated with water vapour which, boils off at the disc cylinders and allows a "spongy " brake to develope. There could be a leaking cylinder seal or, a leak from a flexible pipe. Get it checked out before the "spongy" pedal goes to the floor.
- (#2867) John Davis, 9 May 02

steve john is right there get this checked out asap you can leave jobs to later but when it comes to brakes and steering and a combination of kids..well need i say more..

- (#2868) GRANTY33, 9 May 02

Thanks for confirmation guys. I'll recommend in strongest possible terms she gets it looked at by competent person.

- (#2877) SteveFE, 10 May 02