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Replacing Brake Fluid?

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AR7rider.
Posts: 261 - Karma: 16
I recently bought a 2010 Toyota Corolla, and after having it just a week or two a maintenance light turned on. I looked it up in the manual and it said either the whole system's fucked, or the car is just low on brake fluid. I'm assuming its just low on brake fluid since I just got it. (although sort of pissed they didn't know this?) I would bring it back to the dealer, except I'm at school until the end of this week, and I have to go meet with my host teacher for student teaching Rhursday.

I know absolutely nothing about cars, and have never replaced brake fluid. I looked it up online and it sounded confusing with the air getting in the lines and what not.


So my question is: As a total car n00b, is this something that I should attempt to do myself, or should I have a professional do it for me? Would it be expensive to have a professional do it? Or am I over thinking a simple task?

Thank you so much to anybody who helps.
Dec 12 2011 4:24PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
take it to the pros
Dec 12 2011 4:27PM
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Whifazoo
Posts: 737 - Karma: 132

if its just low you can go to aany automotive store and ask for brake fluid (i belive its dot 4), google where the resivour is on your car and top it off, if you have air in the line (trust me you will know if you do) you will have to bleed the whole system, but seeing as you dont know much about cars i would reccomend taking it to a shop to get that done.

should look something like this,

Click for larger image

good luck hope that helped

Dec 12 2011 4:43PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
fuck it man brakes only slow you donw
Dec 12 2011 4:46PM
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Lansfield
Posts: 2708 - Karma: 321
yeaa buddy

Dec 12 2011 4:47PM
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connory998
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 34
Go to your local auto parts store and they will get you brake fluid, then locate your reservoir and top it up. If this does not fix it or you have a leak (very likely if it is low) then take it to a mechanic to have it looked at.
Dec 12 2011 6:55PM
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dirty.
Posts: 736 - Karma: 69
you have to bleed the lines before putting more fluid in. ie taking the brakes apart and pumping all of the fluid out, its kind of a bitch i had a handy buddy help me with mine
Dec 12 2011 7:04PM
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Broken_Rides
Posts: 334 - Karma: 224

1. Top off reservoir with fluid.

2. Jack the car up.

3. Remove the tires.

4. Pump up brakes.

7. Attach a clear hose to the bleed valve nipple(shape it like a lower case cursive 'e')

6. Open up the bleed valves behind the discs/drums.

7. Pump up brakes.

8.Close the bleed valve.

9. Repeat steps 4-8 about 2 or 3 times per wheel.

10. Mount tires.

11. Lower car.

12. Drive like boss.

Check the resorvoir while you're doing this, if it gets too low, add more fluid (Dot 3 or 4, depends on car.)

If the fluid doesn't maintain it's level after this, the brake lines are probably leaking, which aren't that hard to replace.

Dec 12 2011 8:56PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51745 - Karma: 163,536
Acquire chemicals. Smoke salvia. Decide to cook meth instead



Profit
Dec 12 2011 8:57PM
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Broken_Rides
Posts: 334 - Karma: 224
You really only have to do this if you're rebuilding the brake caliper and system.
Dec 12 2011 8:58PM
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word.is.bond.
Posts: 164 - Karma: 14
open your hood, look at your brake fluid resiviour and check the fluid level, the cap on the resivour should say either dot 3 or dot 4. buy the right kind of brake fluid, and fill it to to the fill markers
Dec 12 2011 9:48PM
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