sophia_hartmann1
Ranger brake fluid loss
Summary of the thread
A 2019 Ford Ranger is experiencing brake fluid loss and an unusual brake pedal feel. The primary causes considered include worn brake pads, which can lead to increased fluid usage, and potential leaks in the brake system, such as the master cylinder or brake lines. The solution involved replacing worn brake pads and discs and addressing a small, hard-to-spot leak in one of the calipers, which resolved the issue.
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4 comment(s)
sophia_hartmann1 (community.author)
Cheers for the reply. Pads are looking thin. But would worn pads cause such a noticeable drop in fluid level? I'm topping it up every couple of weeks. No obvious leaks anywhere that I can see.
linastar1
Topping up every couple of weeks is definitely not normal, even with worn pads. The pads wear gradually, so the fluid level drop would also be gradual. You really need to get your hydraulic brakes checked over properly. Could be a leak in the master cylinder itself, or even internally. Could be leaking from somewhere less obvious, where it evaporates due to the heat. Honestly, I'd get it to a workshop before you end up with no brakes at all. These things never get better on their own, sadly.
sophia_hartmann1 (community.author)
OK, sounds serious enough. Will book it in. Thanks for the advice. Turns out it was worn brakes causing most of the issue, but there was a small leak from one of the calipers that was hard to spot. New pads, discs and caliper rebuild came to 480€.
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FORD
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RANGER
linastar1
Sounds familiar! Had a similar thing with my old Peugeot 308. Brake fluid disappearing act, and the pedal feel was... off. First thing I'd check is your brake pads. If they're worn down, the pistons in the calipers have to extend further, which means more fluid is used, and the level in the reservoir drops. Have you had a look at your brake lines and master cylinder too? Any signs of leaks? Because if the fluid is going somewhere, you want to know where.