Red Warning "(!)" light appears under braking

[lea_smart]

Any ideas what this means? It's just started happening over the last few days. It goes out again once you accelerate. The car is only 4 months, 3000 miles past its B service. Could it be brake fluid low? I'll check that at the weekend (don't use it during the week). Anyone else had this?

[Sy V]

Yep.

Top the brake fluid up as high as you possibly can without spilling it (to the start of the neck).
Should cure the problem.

[lea_smart]

OK, any recommendations for the brand?

[Sy V]

Lea (in haste).

Brand isn't too crucial but DOT factor is.

Some are organic and some not, and they don't mix. If you know what you have - match it.
Look through your service history and ascertain (and ask if needs be) what was used at your last service.

Do a forum search for DOT and you should turn up a few threads. I know I've posted before on the subject.

Bottom line is:

Don't just slap any old fluid in until you (we) know what is in there now.

[Scott J]

concur with Sy, must be same DOT as you cant mix dot type.

Most reputable sports cars garages will be using DOT 5.1 now. I had same problem, checked with garage, it was 5.1, and bougt some at Halfrauds for £2.99.

Problem can be due to brake wear, therefore pipes need more fluid to fill them under braking. My discs are badly worn.

Sy, any idea what the AP kit fitted is before i phone Roy @ PM.

[Sy V]

Scott...it's an aftermarket brake enhancement mate.

Full kits about £1400 IIRC, but you might get it cheaper to go to the manufacturers -

B.G Developments Ltd
Unit 9 West Court, Buntsford Park Rd, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 3DX
Tel: 01527 873716

[lea_smart]

Thanks guys. B service was done by Barry Ely sports cars in Leyton. He last topped it up with ordinary DOT 4.

[Doc Fizzix]

And I thought that light meant there was a problem with the anti-locking brake system

[lea_smart]

Topped up with DOT 4 to the max line and no more annoying light. It didn't look particularly low though

[Sy V]

Glad you're sorted Lea. Just keep an eye on that level over the next few weeks...just in case there's a leak in the system somewhere.

[Dico]

It didn't look particularly low though

Same happened to me. only down slightly, but enough to register on the dash when braking or cornering.
Its nothing unusual, it happens to all cars, with the fluid taking up the space of brake pad wear.

[Scott J]

I've put in 300ml over the pat 3 months, is this excessive brake wear, or indicative of a leak somewhere in the system.

[muley]

Scott,

Sounds like a leak to me. Might be worth checking your pads if they are very low it might just be due to wear but unlikely IMHO.

Cheers

Jim

[M100 TWO]

Scott I would look at the brake compensators where the two halves screw together for a weep

[Nige]

Good call mine had to be replaced twice when the car was new. At least it was under warranty.

[Scott J]

Where is the brake compensator located.

There seems to be a small leak at the rear end, middle of car, where the diff would be if it was RWD. Not had a chance to jack her up yet.

[Sy V]

Sounds like the area where the brake proportioning valves are Scott.

[M100 TWO]

Scott, if it is brake proportioning valve/compensator valve - you will need to replace both valves they are very different to what is on the car at the moment when ordering the valves you will require 2 P clips, 2 brake pipes in order to complete the work, if you would like me to look up the part numbers I will

[Enright]

Also reach round the back of your rear wheels (or even through the holes from the front) and check that there is no brake fluid coating the inside of them. The brake dust on your wheels, if there is any, should be bone dry.

I had a rear wheel piston let go on me, and the first I knew about it was when the brake fluid warning light came on (a couple of times), and I then found fluid leaking down the back of the tyre and onto the ground. It almost looks like condensation after a cold night, but it has a very distinctive smell and it eats the paint off your wheels - don't ask how I know!

It turned out that the fluid was seeping out of the very centre of the piston, where there is a little rubber stopper that rests against the outer surface of your brake pad. The piston is non-serviceable, and a real cow of a job to replace.

If there are no leaks anywhere, then based upon the amount that the level has dropped, this might be an early warning that you need to buy a spare set of brake pads NOW. Then you won't be playing Russian Roulette with your discs, or left waiting for bits and without your car when the last of their life is gone.

Also, remember that if you fill the fluid right up now, then when you put new pads in it will involve pushing the pistons back. So you could end up squirting the excess fluid back out of the reservoir and all over the nearest bodywork (again with disastrous consequences for your paintwork).

[Scott J]

Scott, if it is brake proportioning valve/compensator valve - you will need to replace both valves they are very different to what is on the car at the moment when ordering the valves you will require 2 P clips, 2 brake pipes in order to complete the work, if you would like me to look up the part numbers I will

Yes Please.