[acflick]

Where does the brake fluid go? If there's no leak, would worn pads cause a drop in brake fluid and thus a loss of pressure? Pedal feels fine. I'm tempted to drive over to the dealer and get me some DOT 4 fluid to backfill the reservoir....or perhaps I should check the pads?

Any experience with this message??

 

[phuz]

Slave cylinder failure

 

[Warpedcow]

Re: Low Brake Fluid Warning Indicator this morning... (acflick)

Quote, originally posted by acflick »

If there's no leak, would worn pads cause a drop in brake fluid and thus a loss of pressure?

Yes, somewhat. The sensor is quite sensitive. You can get that idiot light to go on with plenty of fluid in the reservoir by simply going around a cloverleaf freeway ramp quickly.

 

[rogersampson]

Re: Low Brake Fluid Warning Indicator this morning... (acflick)

Yes worn pads can cause it, due to greater wheel cylinder displacement, but....

I agree with Phuz, most likely a failed or failing, clutch slave cylinder. Look for fluid under bell housing. If the repair is on your nickel, get ready to spend $2K to $3K, parts and labor.

 

[Needsdecaf]

Re: (phuz)

Quote, originally posted by phuz »

Slave cylinder failure

Yeah, this is the most likely culprit. Since you're out of warranty (LOL) I'd take it to Volvokid (Nick) over at Herb Gordon in Silver Spring. I'm sure he'll get the price down for you.

Sorry to hear this Al. Was thinking of you the other day when I drove by the firehouse on 7100.

 

[acflick]

Re: (Needsdecaf)

holy crapola! This car is freakin' JINXED....the AWD doesn't work, now this...WTF? Where's the legendary Volvo reliability? It's in the tank!

 

[ktm_525]

Re: (acflick)

You were under the illusion that the R was reliable? Really?

 

[FEO]

Re: Low Brake Fluid Warning Indicator this morning... (acflick)

I don't want to jinx myself BUT

I got the low brake fluid as well. Like Warpedcow mentioned, taking turns fast.

I almost cried at the thought of a 3k slave cyl repair in the future, however my pads ARE low.

I refilled it and try to keep my fingers in a knot. It has not moved noticeably in 2 months.

 

[D-man9000]

Re: Low Brake Fluid Warning Indicator this morning... (FEO)

Eh, I had mine flash at me once during a fast turn. Brakes were fine right afterwards. Dealer said the fluid was just slightly low, but nothing was out of the ordinary.

 

[S60R1]

Re: Low Brake Fluid Warning Indicator this morning... (FEO)

I've had this before as well. Topped off the fluid and no problems since. No leaks either.

 

[acflick]

Re: (ktm_525)

Quote, originally posted by ktm_525 »

You were under the illusion that the R was reliable? Really?

I am sad now....I really, really, really wanted to believe that, even with all of my trouble. Can you say D-E-N-I-A-L?

 

[acflick]

Re: (phuz)

Quote, originally posted by phuz »

Slave cylinder failure

Hmmmm....maybe it's time to consider a Lexus IS-F

 

[I Roll]

Re: (acflick)

Quote, originally posted by acflick »

Hmmmm....maybe it's time to consider a Lexus IS-F

Don't get ahead of yourself. I had the brake fluid light come before in my old S60 T5 when taking a hard corner. The resevoir dosen't have to be "low", just a tad below the line can set it off in a hard corner. Top it off and go from there.

 

[chinaonnitrous1]

Its most likely your pads getting low.

Fill it, and if it dosent move, your fine.

The little buoyant thingy can be temperamental if you take that turn hard enougn and it triggers it. I got it quite a few times comming down the hill from my house.

I had thick Front Hawk Blue Racing pads for track day.. Then I put back my 50% Hawk HPS pads, the piston travel caused the brake fluid light to come on while on a downhill slope.