Had to add to brake fluid reservoir twice in three months

ncole

New member
Like the title says, I have had to add brake fluid twice in the last three months.  Basically on hard accelerations a little alarm goes crazy (actually very alarming!) and the light comes on momentarily and sometimes a readout says low brake fluid or something. It truly was low both times and I added to it back to full.  I figure if I fill it this early in its progress I shouldn't have any issues of damage and I have not noticed any lack of performance or rather change in performance as I have always wished for more initial bite with these brakes. 

I plan to change my oil this week.  With that in mind I am looking for any known issues or any places I should key in on.  I have not noticed any leaks, but with the heat shield under there who knows. I do have Powerstop brakes that I installed last summer, but as this is a newer problem I don't think that is it.  I assume this is a slow leak, and fear it might actually be a rusty line. I think if it were a loose fitting, it would start slow and eventually just give way to no brakes at all.
 
It could be the master cylinder leaking IMO and would check the lines going to the brake fluid reservoir.
I would also inspect and check the brake lines for any such leaks due to rust and corrosion and the elements.

Did you bleed the brakes when you installed the Powerstops ?  Z
 
ZSHO said:
It could be the master cylinder leaking IMO and would check the lines going to the brake fluid reservoir.
I would also inspect and check the brake lines for any such leaks due to rust and corrosion and the elements.

Did you bleed the brakes when you installed the Powerstops ?  Z

No, I used a C-clamp and the special turn down tool I believe to compress for new pads and left the system un-opened. 
 
There is a seal coming from the master cylinder which overtime starts to leak .
Check for any leaks as mentioned ^^^.
Check for any codes? 
Does the brake pedal feel like its rubbing?  Z

https://parts.levittownfordparts.com/auto-parts/2011/ford/taurus/sho-trim/3-5l-v6-gas-engine/brakes-cat/hydraulic-system-scat
 
The master cylinder can leak as noted, and you wont see a leak because the fluid is pooling in the booster.  Infrequent,  but it can and does happen.  Have not heard of ABS/HCU issues be symptomless either.  Swollen brake hoses could be a possibility.
 
No codes, and the feel has not changed since I have had the car.  Upgrading the brakes got rid of the shakes and did have a noticeable effect on higher speed braking, but the initial bite and the overall feel is/was the same.

I will check those things.  I assume item 2 and both in item 4 from that diagram.  I feel better about it not being the lines as I looked at the type of lines used, and they are quality lines that pass salt spray testing that any 2011 model should not show signs of rust through symptoms.

If it is the master cylinder, should I just upgrade to the 2013+?  Are they direct replacements?  Also, if I am in there should I do the brake booster to 2013+ as well?  Direct replacement? On Rock Auto, I am only out ~$150 for both.
 
If it is the MC, def take the opp to upgrade both.  IIRC, there may be some bending of brake lines involved  for perfect fit, but that is all detailed  in metalmaster's HOWTO.
 
@- Ncole How many miles on your SHO ?  I would also perform a brake system flush if not done so already for good mesures. Best of luck and keep us updated.  Z
 
ZSHO said:
@- Ncole How many miles on your SHO ?  I would also perform a brake system flush if not done so already for good mesures. Best of luck and keep us updated.  Z


about 105k.  I have not done that, so that would be a good time.  I did cooling system, PTU, trans, and rear diff about 10k ago, but guess I neglected the braking system and power steering system.
 
Check the Brake Hoses at the Connection Ends BOTH to the Calipers,
and make sure you do not have a leak there, May be the crush washers...!
 
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