Cougar/XR7 V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Brake Fluid: Testing and Inspection
DISCOLORATION
The color of the fluid in a normal brake system in service can vary from its original color for many reasons. Sometimes a brake master cylinder
may show significantly different shades of color of fluid between the two brake master cylinder reservoir compartments. Color may appear to vary
between cast steel and die cast aluminum reservoirs. Some of the reasons for the apparent difference in color in a system are listed below:
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Fluid discoloration can occur due to heat and/or aging.
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Difference in fluid color of a two-compartment brake master cylinder reservoir can be due to the different operating temperatures or different
rates of normal oxidation between the two reservoir compartments.
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Fluid discoloration can exist when different brands/shades of brake fluid are used in topping off during normal service.
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Fluid discoloration can occur through dissolution of color dye used on brake master cylinder internal springs in manufacturer's assembly
procedure.
LEVEL
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Always check the fluid level in the master cylinder before performing the test procedures. If the fluid level is not to 4 mm (0.16 inch) below the
MAX line of the brake master cylinder reservoir, add high performance DOT-3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
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If fluid is low it may be due to pad wear.
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Refer to Disc Brake System. See: Brakes and Traction Control/Disc Brake System/Brake Pad/Testing and Inspection
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Refer to Drum Brake System. See: Brakes and Traction Control/Drum Brake System/Brake Shoe/Testing and Inspection
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If fluid is extremely low or empty, check system for a leak. Refer to Hydraulic System.
CONTAMINATION
Contamination can be tested for by checking for obvious swelling of the master cylinder cap gasket. A second method for testing for contamination
is to put a sample of the fluid into a jar of water. The brake fluid which is water soluble, will dissolve and turn the water white. The oil will float
on top of the water as a film. See: Brakes and Traction Control/Hydraulic System/Testing and Inspection/Contamination Check
WARNING: If the swollen brake master cylinder gasket condition is present, all brake system rubber parts must be replaced. All
components containing rubber parts must be overhauled or replaced. All brake tubes must be thoroughly flushed with brake fluid before
the vehicle goes back into service. Contaminated and swollen parts can lead to brake failure.
NOTE: Brake fluid contaminated with a hydrocarbon/mineral based fluid (power steering or transmission fluid) can be detected by an obvious
swelling of the master cylinder cap gasket.
