WTF? Cloudy brake fluid?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Redacted
WTF? Cloudy brake fluid?
02 Vert with 7500 miles. I happened to take the cap off the brake fluid reservior and look inside. I've never seen this before, but the fluid was "cloudy" and appeared having something "floating" in it. Like I said, I have never seen cloudy brake fluid before.
It's not discolored, through the tank it still has that light amber color of new brake fluid.
It's not discolored, through the tank it still has that light amber color of new brake fluid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Sausalito CA
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (larrysb)
I was waiting to see the other replys.
Yes, cloudy would indicate water.
In my past I have seen a type of film on the top of the brake fluid.
First place a rag and lift of the film, then turkey baster the rest and go for a brake bleed. Perhaps upgrade to Motul or the like.
Yes, cloudy would indicate water.
In my past I have seen a type of film on the top of the brake fluid.
First place a rag and lift of the film, then turkey baster the rest and go for a brake bleed. Perhaps upgrade to Motul or the like.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (Kenny94945)
From what I hear, that is perfectly normal discoloration from the black rubber seal on the lid. You can change your fluid like I did but the color just comes back. :yesnod: :cheers:
**EDIT** MY bad, I thought you were talking about the clutch reservoir, I need to slow down and read what I am reading!!! :rolleyes: :D
[Modified by racer44, 8:47 PM 6/18/2003]
**EDIT** MY bad, I thought you were talking about the clutch reservoir, I need to slow down and read what I am reading!!! :rolleyes: :D
[Modified by racer44, 8:47 PM 6/18/2003]
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Austin Tx
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (larrysb)
Do a flush and bleed, and then wait a month and do a bleed. This gives the residual water in the calipers themselves a chance to contaminate the fluid near the calipers. The second bleed will remove this secondary contamination.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Hot Springs AR
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (racer44)
From what I hear, that is perfectly normal discoloration from the black rubber seal on the lid. You can change your fluid like I did but the color just comes back. :yesnod: :cheers:
I agree with the other posts, sounds like water contamination to me. Good suggestion about the flush, fill, bleed, wait a month, then bleed again method.
Good luck, and have a good one,
Mike
Thread Starter
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From: Redacted
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (Bugster57)
Definitely not the discoloration as in the clutch fluid. I expect that. The clutch fluid has darkened up, but it is clear.
The brake fluid is indeed cloudy, not discolored. I've never seen anything like it. It almost looks like algae growing in it or something.
I guess it is time for a flush and refill. With only 7500 miles on the car, I guess I could get it done under warranty. It's less hassle to do it myself though I suppose.
Any notion how this might have come about? I've owned the car since new and I've never had occasion to even remove the reservoir lid.
The brake fluid is indeed cloudy, not discolored. I've never seen anything like it. It almost looks like algae growing in it or something.
I guess it is time for a flush and refill. With only 7500 miles on the car, I guess I could get it done under warranty. It's less hassle to do it myself though I suppose.
Any notion how this might have come about? I've owned the car since new and I've never had occasion to even remove the reservoir lid.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Stockbridge GA
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (larrysb)
Brake fluid sucks water bigtime. Possibly the reservoir cap was not sealed securely?? or possibly contaminated from the factory.
I've seen warnings before against using an opened can of brake fluid, even if the top is on.
I've seen warnings before against using an opened can of brake fluid, even if the top is on.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (VetteDrmr)
From what I hear, that is perfectly normal discoloration from the black rubber seal on the lid. You can change your fluid like I did but the color just comes back. :yesnod: :cheers:
No, that's the clutch fluid reservoir that causes that, due to the rubber bladder that is immersed in the fluid.
No, that's the clutch fluid reservoir that causes that, due to the rubber bladder that is immersed in the fluid.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,896
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From: New Bern NC
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (VetteDrmr)
What's the purpose of the rubber bladder in the clutch fluid holder? Looks like it takes up most of the capacity. If it is for moisture, looks like overkill. Thanks Sid.
Le Mans Master
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From: Hot Springs AR
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (6 speed Sid)
Sid,
Because there is so much relative fluid motion in the clutch system as opposed to the brake system the bladder is used to allow the fluid level to "breathe", for lack of a better term.
Hope this helps, and have a good one,
Mike
Because there is so much relative fluid motion in the clutch system as opposed to the brake system the bladder is used to allow the fluid level to "breathe", for lack of a better term.
Hope this helps, and have a good one,
Mike
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Campbell Ca
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (larrysb)
Mine did the same thing, looks like something is floating in the fluid. It came back and I'm on the second flush.
Does anyone know where that presure bleeder is sold?? (To bleed the brakes).
Does anyone know where that presure bleeder is sold?? (To bleed the brakes).
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Redacted
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (Racer1x)
I flushed mine this last weekend. Sucked it out with a vacuum pump from the reservoir and at each bleeder screw. Couldn't get it all out as the reservoir has a wall in it between compartments.
A few days later, my fluid looks cloudy again.
I have no idea.
The cap on the brake fluid is not real tight, but it seems exactly the same as two other brand new C5's I looked at. So I guess it is correct.
A few days later, my fluid looks cloudy again.
I have no idea.
The cap on the brake fluid is not real tight, but it seems exactly the same as two other brand new C5's I looked at. So I guess it is correct.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,476
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From: Sausalito CA
Re: WTF? Cloudy brake fluid? (larrysb)
Two items,
1 - without a Tech II, the ABS system value doesn't open so some old oil remains in there.
A DIY way to get some of that oil flowing is to do some ABS stops (which open the valve).
2 - Could be that the reservoir has a film on it contaminating the new oil.
So IMHO more bleeding is called for. Put a quart of more through the system.
1 - without a Tech II, the ABS system value doesn't open so some old oil remains in there.
A DIY way to get some of that oil flowing is to do some ABS stops (which open the valve).
2 - Could be that the reservoir has a film on it contaminating the new oil.
So IMHO more bleeding is called for. Put a quart of more through the system.
