LudwigBergmanRider

Trafic spongy brake pedal low fluid

Hi, I've got a 2006 Renault Trafic with a gasoline engine, and I'm experiencing a worrying issue. The brake fluid level is consistently low, triggering the warning light. I've checked for visible leaks around the calipers and under the master cylinder, but found nothing obvious. What's more concerning is the strange feedback I'm getting from the brake pedal – it feels a bit spongy. Could this be a sign of worn brakes? The van has only done 40789 km, but you never know.

4 comment(s)

I had something similar happen on my Trafic. Spongy pedal and the brake fluid light kept coming on. I couldn't see any leaks either, which was baffling. I was topping it up every few weeks. It's like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it, isn't it? Have you checked the rear brake lines? They can corrode and leak without being immediately obvious.

Thanks for the reply! The rear brake lines... that's a good shout. I haven't specifically checked them, just the easily visible connections. Is it a common issue on the Trafic? And did you manage to sort it yourself, or did you need to take it to a garage?

Yeah, rear brake lines are a known weak point, I'm afraid. Especially with the age of our vans. I wouldn't recommend messing with the brake lines yourself unless you really know what you're doing. Brakes are not something to take chances on. I ended up taking mine to a workshop; it was worth the peace of mind. Better safe than sorry, eh?

Thanks again for the advice. I took your suggestion and got it checked out by a professional. Turns out it was exactly as you suspected – corroded rear brake lines. The total repair cost was 480€, which stings a bit, but at least the brakes are working properly now. I appreciate the heads-up!

Join the discussion now: