Community Forums

johnsonjm209 · 03-18-2012, 04:31 PM

I was just checking the fluids on my03 HR Vacationeer w/Ford v10.

The brake fluid reservoir is not accessible to be seen up close. Maybe I shouldn't have used the device that I did to check the level, but I used my index finger. (It was clean). The fluid was down about 1/2" but the consistency was similar to maple syrup. (I relate to food).

Is this a concern? I thought it might be a little thinner. The last time I used the vehicle was about 3-4 weeks ago. I usually check the level by shining a light on the other side of the plastic reservoir.

Any experienced help is welcome. Thanks.

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-18-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsonjm209

I was just checking the fluids on my03 HR Vacationeer w/Ford v10.

The brake fluid reservoir is not accessible to be seen up close. Maybe I shouldn't have used the device that I did to check the level, but I used my index finger. (It was clean). The fluid was down about 1/2" but the consistency was similar to maple syrup. (I relate to food).

Is this a concern? I thought it might be a little thinner. The last time I used the vehicle was about 3-4 weeks ago. I usually check the level by shining a light on the other side of the plastic reservoir.

Any experienced help is welcome. Thanks.

How long has it been since you last had it changed? The book says to do it every 24 months. It's also bad to stick your finger ( open up the reservoir ) as it introduces moisture to the fluid which is something you want to avoid.

buck62 · 03-18-2012, 04:40 PM

You do not say when you last changed your brake fluid but If I remember right, Ford recommends every three years. Brake fluid will absorb moisture and after a lot of hard braking like in city driving, the brakes will fail. Ask me how I know, scary until you let the brakes cool off. This was before I found out that I needed to change fluid every 3 years. Your fluid should be thinner than maple syrup buy a small can of brake fluid for comparison. Have the fluid checked, you do not lose your brakes totally but it is a white knuckle ride with the increased stopping distance.

John Wayne · 03-18-2012, 04:45 PM

That is the way I need to check mine also. some times the gel is what they use to put the master cylinder together to keep the rubber seals from tearing. If you have never flushed your brake system it is past due to do so. Use Ford fluid it has a higher boiling point.

The gel is probably just floating on the top of the brake fluid. If concerned get a turkey baster with a length of clear tubing suck out all the brake fluid and add new. Now you half way through the flush. Take a clear line put it over the Right rear wheel brake bleed screw and the other end in a clear plastic water bottle, open the bleed screw let it drain till new fluid is seen. Close the bleed screw do the same to the Left rear then Right front and Left front. JUST don't let the master cylinder run out of fluid while draining. Ford recommends this to be done every 2 years.

johnsonjm209 · 03-18-2012, 05:20 PM

I just checked it again with a small clean (popsicle type) stick. It is not as thick as I originally thought it was because I was able to put the stick into the reservoir all the way. But, seeing as I've owned the rv for 8 years, it's time to stop checking it and time to replace it.

Thanks to all again. This is the second thanks I have written in the past 2 weeks. The help here is unbelievable, especially to a non-mechanical guy like me. I can check anything, but I stop short of fixing it.

LVJ58 · 03-18-2012, 06:23 PM

Joe, the fluid in our 2000 was the same, almost like a thin gel. I was a bit concerned and checked on it but thats the way it comes from Ford on the stripped F53 chassis, so not to worry.

At 52,000 miles I had the brake system flushed and refilled with new fluid, no problems.

C-Leigh Racing · 03-22-2012, 06:38 AM

If the reason the brake fluid needs to be replaced is moisture, could the fluid once changed out be heated to remove the moisture & be usable again.
Would there be other things in the fluid, like rust or dirt that would make it not usable again.

Other than the Ford brake fluid, what other types/brands can be used.
Thanks, Neil

pkunk1 · 04-06-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Leigh Racing

If the reason the brake fluid needs to be replaced is moisture, could the fluid once changed out be heated to remove the moisture & be usable again.
Would there be other things in the fluid, like rust or dirt that would make it not usable again.

Other than the Ford brake fluid, what other types/brands can be used.
Thanks, Neil

No, No, No. Never! Brake fluid is inexpensive. generic Dot 3 is fine.

jrd48 · 04-07-2012, 10:38 AM

Be careful on your Dot 3 recommendations. Somewhere along the line Ford has changed the fluid specs. Don't know other year specifics but on the 2004 F53 Ford recommends Dot 3 for Hydro-Boost systems and Super Dot 4 for Hydro-Max systems. I believe The Hydro-Max system is used on the 20.5K chassis and above and the Hydro-Boost system is used on the 18K chassis and below.