Brake Fluid Level

[ballast]

??? So the brake fluid is a low in my right hand resevoir....
Can I just add some without having to bleed the system?

I have looked everything over and I don't believe there are any leaks.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by ballast

??? So the brake fluid is a low in my right hand resevoir....
Can I just add some without having to bleed the system?

I have looked everything over and I don't believe there are any leaks.

Yep. Just top it off and you're good to go.

Bleeding the lines isn't too difficult and something you may considering doing if you are getting up there in miles.

[cnc]

As your brake pads wear a bit the pistons in the calipers stay extended a bit more causing the drop in the level in the reservoir. Completely normal. Make sure to use DOT 4 when topping up.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Mine is getting just a tad low for the brake. I'm not worried about it but will add some a little later. The Nomad is no different than a car just get the right side level, clean around it good and take the top off and then add the brake fluid. Be sure and not spill any brake fluid.

[ringadingh]

It probably wouldn't hurt to replace it with fresh fluid if it hasn't been done in a couple years.

[redjay]

My front brake fluid reservoir is also low. I went to get some brake fluid (Canadian Tire store) tonight and all they stock in DOT 4 is synthetic brake fluid. It says it is compatible with normal brake fluid. Is it okay to just top off the reservoir with synthetic ?

[gman47]

If there are no leaks and the fluid is low be careful topping it off. As stated the brake pads stay extended. By topping off you will cause an over full condition when the pads are replaced and the pistons don't stay extended .... the pistons are actually pushed in farther to make up for the added thickness of new pads. I would suggest checking the pads to see if they are worn to the point of needing replacement. All things being equal, new pads will cause the pistons to stay retracted and the reservoir level should return to normal. If you have never flushed your fluids this is a good time to do ALL of them ... clutch, front and rear reservoirs

[leadbelly]

Change my brake/clutch fluid as a part of the yearly maintenance. It's easy to do and worth learning how.

[ballast]

After the time I've had getting this sumbitch straightened out and on the rode, I think I will just top it off. But I will put this at the top of next winters to do list.

Thanks for all the info.

[macmac]

Ck the pads! As the pistons move in taking on more fluid, this shows the pads have worn some. If there is still meat on the pads topping off is fine, BUT if you ever go to push the pad's IN say to add new, there won't be room enough in the master to fully press the pistons all the way back in.

That under the right set of circumstances could lead to a pretty good spill. BF will eat paint like mad.

I am not sure if you can use syn BF on a Nomad at all. I wouldn't try it myself. You can get Castrol Girling DOT 4 in non syn BF.

If it were me I would remove all the BF in the rez I could get with a turkey baster, after covering all the paint with in 4 feet of the rez.

[redjay]

I bought some non synthetic Dot 4 brake fluid last night. I am just going to top off the fluid this year and change it next season. I recently had the front out for a new tire and the pads were fine, just under an 1/8th left. I think they are the originals at 60,000kms !