Brake Fluid Top Up Query

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 11:27

Hi,

I tried to top up brake fluid on my Mk4 Mondeo but the fluid is not getting into the main reservoir from the cylindrical section. The brake pads and discs are in good condition so wondering what is it that I am doing wrong. Want to check if I need garage help for this.

I have tried with starting the car and pumping the brake pedal but that didn't help. There are no issues with the brakes, I just happened to notice the fluid level was low.

Appreciate your help.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 12:06

Sinbad2000 said:
You mean the bit where you pour it in overflows and the bit to the right in your 2nd photo doesn't fill up?

Yes, precisely.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 12:17

Sinbad2000 said:
Sounds very unlikely given I can see a gap between them? I mean, it's the same container...?

Yes it is. I asked the local garage and they mentioned that there is some sort of filter that can be moved using a flat head screwdriver, but I am not keen on it.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 12:19

radderfire said:
Are you sure you can see the fluid level in the main section properly? Brake fluid is hard to see, so it could be that the main section is being filled completely and you can't see it.

I can see the level on the first pic where it is below minimum. Not sure if the camera angle helps it. I do remember from memory the level used to be up.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:04

JonRGV250 said:
Just top it up to the max level, and if you're not sure or can't see it properly, hold a torch behind the reservoir, like..

You see how in your car the filler sits on top of the reservoir. I mine it is to the side. I did watch a few videos on how they fill the brake fluid, but these were fluid replacement videos.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:21

JonRGV250 said:
Sorry, I’m not sure what youre getting at.
Just top it up to max line, small arrow on the right hand side of the reservoir, it’s no more complicated than that.

Well... I tried topping the fluid up to at least have it between Max and Min levels. But on adding the recommended Brake Fluid it did not flow into the reservoir. It just stayed there in the cylindrical bit. I expected it to flow into the chamber on the right with ease.

Hence I was wondering if it is some rocket science. I wouldn't post here if it appeared to be easy.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:27

GarethSouthpete said:
There must be some sort of blockage then

Could be. Will drop it to the garage and get it checked.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:28

JonRGV250 said:
Oh, I get it, you mean the white filter that sits underneath the reservoir cap?

Yes, correct. It does not help when the Clutch and Brake fluid filling is from the same place.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:36

GarethSouthpete said:
Have you driven it since? Not sure it would make a difference but maybe try again after a little drive?

Yes, I will be driving it today for couple of miles.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 13:46

JonRGV250 said:
I haven't got a Mondeo on site, but this pic is from a Fiesta (which should be similar), does this look the same as yours?

If the fluid you're trying to top up is just sitting in the filter, then there's already enough in the reservoir.

Nope, it's different to mine. Thank you for checking though.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 14:37

JonRGV250 said:
The filter is different? Does yours have a filter that you’ve removed?

I didn't notice any filter when I took the lid off.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 16:24

Rroff said:
I see you've got threads on this elsewhere as well, from Googling doesn't seem you are the first person with this issue with this car either.

Brake Fluid Level Stays Minimum Despite Top Up Attempt

www.talkford.com

Also it might be lighting, camera or my monitor but that first picture looks like the brake fluid is on the way towards needing replacing entirely - I'd consider taking it to a garage unless experienced in replacing the fluid entirely.

Yes, that is me on Talk Ford lol. There is only one more thread over there other than the one I posted but that didn't have the information I was looking for.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 17:05

Rroff said:
I can find a few threads on it for that car but they all basically have people saying "must be a leak in your brake system" and original thread starter never updates.

Exactly this. Hence cross post over here. I will drive this evening and see if that makes any difference and report back. If it doesn't help then to garage for fixing whatever needs fixing/replacement and then report back.

LowEndTorque · Tuesday at 23:18

So driving this evening for about 35-40 mins didn't make any difference to the level. I will book a garage appointment and see how this goes.

LowEndTorque · 2024-12-11T09:27:12+0000

JonRGV250 said:
Just top it up to the max level, and if you're not sure or can't see it properly, hold a torch behind the reservoir, like..

I tried this method this morning with my mobile flashlight and the level is ok. Thanks a ton for this.
Appears that the problem was between the chair and the computer.

I was needlessly going mad over the level. The darker bit you see in this above pic too (bottom right) is what caused me to panic thinking the level is low in mine. I believe this is the same enlightenment the other posters had and hence they did not circle back to what the root cause was.

Thank you all for your responses. May this thread help someone in the future. And yes, I avoided a garage visit for this to keep myself from getting embarrassed even more. Its a Mondeo, it will last as long as it is regularly maintained. Coming up to 15 years old now and 6+ years under my ownership.