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janniksmith4

Matrix Brake Fluid Low and Pedal Feedback

I have a 2008 Toyota Matrix with a gasoline engine and about 132150 km on it. The brake fluid warning light came on the other day. I checked the reservoir, and it's low. I topped it off, but the light came back on after a few days. Also, I'm getting some strange feedback from the brake pedal. Any ideas? Maybe worn brakes?

Summary of the thread

A 2008 Toyota Matrix owner experienced a brake fluid warning light and unusual brake pedal feedback. The brake fluid was low, and topping it off only temporarily resolved the issue. Possible causes included worn brake pads or a leak, potentially in the master cylinder. The recommended solution was a professional brake inspection, which revealed worn front brakes needing replacement, resolving the problem.

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4 comment(s)

charlotte_ghost4

Low brake fluid usually means you've got a leak somewhere or your brake pads are getting thin. Since you're feeling something weird in the pedal, it's probably more than just the fluid level. Have you checked your brake pads lately? When were they last changed? Also, is the fluid leaking somewhere?

janniksmith4 (community.author)

I haven't actually checked the pads themselves yet. They probably haven't been changed in a while, honestly. I can't see any obvious leaks around the wheels or the master cylinder, though. Is it possible to have a leak somewhere that's hard to spot? Should I be worried about the master cylinder itself?

charlotte_ghost4

Yes, leaks can be tricky to spot sometimes. A small leak in the master cylinder can be hard to detect without a proper inspection. Given the pedal feel and the fluid loss, it's best to get a professional brake inspection done ASAP. It's possible the pads are worn and causing the fluid drop, but it's better to rule out a more serious issue like the master cylinder.

janniksmith4 (community.author)

Thanks for the advice! I took it to the shop, and you were right, the front brakes were worn and needed replacing, which explained the fluid level. The repair came out to 480€ including labor. Appreciate the help!

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TOYOTA

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MATRIX