Brake light comes on occasionally and brakes feel spongy

[j5689]

I've also heard that this means that something on the brake system is wearing out, such as the pads, and once you get them replaced, all the old fluid comes back up and pushes everything out.

Not sure what to do but I'd rather top it off anyway, I would think then I would get some of my braking power back. And then if the pads end up being bad, I can just get one of those turkey baster things and put the fluid back to where it was or something like that.

[sly]

if the pads are replaced properly... you're supposed to bleed the brakes so that the fluid does not back-fill the reservoir and top it off with new fluid. I don't personally know anyone that actually does that, but that's the way it's supposed to be done. The only real way to make sure the pads/shoes are good is to look at them.

[1990LTD]

I've also heard that this means that something on the brake system is wearing out, such as the pads, and once you get them replaced, all the old fluid comes back up and pushes everything out.

Not sure what to do but I'd rather top it off anyway, I would think then I would get some of my braking power back. And then if the pads end up being bad, I can just get one of those turkey baster things and put the fluid back to where it was or something like that.

yeah, when your old pads and rotors wear, the piston is pushed out further so it looks like you're low on fluid. before i replaced my brakes i noticed the fluid was a little low so i topped it off to the MAX line, and after the new brakes went on it was way up at the top of the reservoir. I didn't bleed the brakes but I should have...sucked all of the fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster and filled it back up with DOT3

[j5689]

yeah, when your old pads and rotors wear, the piston is pushed out further so it looks like you're low on fluid. before i replaced my brakes i noticed the fluid was a little low so i topped it off to the MAX line, and after the new brakes went on it was way up at the top of the reservoir. I didn't bleed the brakes but I should have...sucked all of the fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster and filled it back up with DOT3

That sounds like a good enough plan if it works the same way for me

So I'm guessing that means the reservoir only needs to be at least half full while you're actually changing the brakes and not all the time?

[1990LTD]

as long as it never runs dry, then you get air in the lines and you WILL need to bleed the brakes. if you top it off to the MAX line before you change the pads/rotors, take some back fluid out before you push the pistons down with your C clamp and put the cap back on the reservoir. just never let it get completely empty.

[j5689]

Just drove down to Track Auto and got some Valvoline DOT 3&4 fluid for $3.50, but it says synthetic on it I noticed, and so does everything else in the brake fluid section, even the DOT 3 only stuff. But it still says Recommended for ABS which I know DOT 5(real synthetic) isn't supposed to be used with. Is this stuff O.K. to use for my car?

Also can I keep the extra or will it be too contaminated with air by then?

And is there I certain method to putting it in with a certain tool or can I just dump some in straight from the bottle?

[marquisman]

from the bottle into the resivoir. just dont go over the max line lol

[j5689]

from the bottle into the resivoir. just dont go over the max line lol

Very good, I'll do it tomorrow when I can actually see what I'm doing, lol

[j5689]

I haven't driven the car since I put the fluid in but according to the inspection sheet the brakes themselves passed but the light was still coming on. It's categorized as Brake Warning light on the sheet if that matters at all.

It could also be referring to the E-Brake light which is written on unofficial list as something I need