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Generally contaminated brake fluid is very dark and grimy looking. It also may cause a spongy brake petal, but not always. If you have reason to believe that your brake fluid is contaminated, you should definitely have it changed. If there is more than 3% water in your brake fluid, you run the risk of super heating the water causing one or more of your brake lines to explode, which apart from being incredibly dangerous is also tremendously expensive to repair. Brake fluid is very hygroscopic, and when exposed to air, it readily absorbs water.

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Q: What are the symptoms of contaminated brake fluid?
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Related questions

How does brake fluid get contaminated?

Yes, it absorbs moisture which makes it acidic.


Self apply of the brakes are cuased by what?

Could be contaminated brake fluid


How can you tell if your brake fluid is contaminated?

Contamination is indicated by Discolored Fluid Corroded Parts Soft or swollen rubber parts


What are the symptoms of low brake fluid?

The 'Low Break Fluid' light in the dash comes on.


Why do the front brake calipers freeze after putting new brakes on a 1997 Ford E150 Van?

Corrosion? Contaminated brake fluid?


If brake fluid is accidentally contaminated by a repair shop could the brakes fail within 5 miles of the shop?

If non brake fluid is added to the master cylinder, possibly.If non brake fluid is added to the master cylinder, possibly.


What should you do if you accidentally poured a little washer fluid into the brake fluid reservoir?

Do not pump the brakes. You will need to get all of the contaminated fluid out and refill the master cylinder.


What is brake fluid made from?

Most Brake fluid is made of Glycol-ether. (Dot 3 being the most common). But mineral spirits is used in rare dot 5. Brake fluid is not considered hazardous until it is contaminated by other properties found in a brake system such as dust or metal.


What would make front brake caliper not release 1998 Kia Sephia?

Defective caliper, restricted hose, caliper sliders sticking, contaminated brake fluid (probably not contaminated if only 1 front caliper).


What can happen if dot 5 or over brake fluid is added to a 2002 Lincoln ls?

DOT 5 is a silicone brake fluid and not compatible with the original fluid or components. IF the system is contaminated, take it SOON to a reputable shop for help.


What causes a master cylinder to go bad?

Brake fluid contaminated with moisture and dirt along with wear would do it.


How does a brake fluid tester work?

Just dip it in the master cylinder fluid reservoir for 2 seconds and the tip will turn colors. The darker the color, the more contaminated the fluid. These certain testers measure the amount of copper the fluid has been contaminated with contrary to many peoples beliefs that it is testing for moisture content. This is NOT true even though brake fluid DOES absorb moisture when the container is left uncapped.