while replacing my front brakes this weekend, i noticed my brake fluid was a bit low and at the same time looked at the clutch and it was low...

my pops says brake fluid can be used as clutch fluid. i always thought they were different. what's the official word and why would either of them be low?

and.. best way to replace.... flush and refill? or is it safe to just top up?

 

Its all hydraulic fluid, so MOST of the time you can use the same stuff. I can in the Miata, but check your manual first for the specs.

Auto tranny fluid and power steering fluid are also interchangeable on some cars....

 

Yes, same stuff. Just make sure its acura/honda spec fluid. The reason its low for the brakes is because as you pads wear out, the piston in the caliper is pushed out further. So the caliper actually had more fluid in it to make up for the change in displacement, so the fluid in the resivoir is lower. No idea why the clutch fluid is low, but if its all dark and shitty, its best to flush it out. Its the same procedure as bleeding the brakes.

 

i beleive i checked it after i changed my brake pads and it was low still..... anyways, it's probably best to bleed and replace both brake and clutch anyways..

they're both looking pretty shitty...

 

yup same stuff, me and trenell have done it a bunch of times this year brake and clutch we use DOT 4 Valvoline Syn tec. If your lines are as dirty as you say you'll need a lot of bottles. I'd do a bleed.

 

yeah, i think i'm going to do the bleed on the brakes and clutch..

i've never done the brakes by myself... can it be a 1 man job?

 

it can be but its kinda difficult with one person, ask wifey to pump the brake.

 

lol.. she won't help me when i'm working on the car..

 

just dump it if its old. theres nuthing like a firm brake

 

It's easier as a two man job, it can be done by yourself. The first time that's what I did.

I would recommend getting someone to pump the brakes for you though. Saves you from wasting any fluid.

Valvoline Syn Dot 4 at crappy tire. It's like $5 a bottle


Yes brake fluid and clutch fluid is one in the same.

 

alright, thanks guys.