Whenever it shows signs of defect, damage, or leakage. It might last for the life of the vehicle, or it might not.
You add it to the master cylinder mounted on the firewall, drivers side. Do not overfill, and only add fluid from a sealed container. Use the proper fluid as listed on the master cylinder cap. If it is low of fluid it means that you either have a leak or the brake pads have worn down, and they should be checked. You may need to have your pads replaced. Fluid does not evaporate and those are the only reasons it will be low. This car is 16 years old, and if you have not had the fluid changed it is way over due. Have the entire brake system flushed and fresh fluid installed. Brake fluid should be changed at least every 3/36. This is an often overlooked service.
That depends on where it's leaking out; if it's at the master cylinder, you have a bad master cylinder, if it's at the wheel cylinder you have a bad wheel cylinder if it's at a caliper... well, you get the idea. If you know how to repair a master cylinder, wheel cylinder or caliper, you can often get by with a little savings but it's usually best to just trot down to your local auto parts retailer and get a new or rebuilt one.
Usually that means that you have a failed master cylinder and it's sucking air. Often you can see the booster soaked with brake fluid. If the master cylinder ran dry at all, it has to be bled seperately.
If there is fluid leaking in or on the wheels, your problem is most likely there at the leak. When the fluid fails to reach the wheels is when the master cylinder would be in question. Most often if you find and repair the leak, you have fixed the problem. After fixing the leak,make sure you fill your fluid to the full mark after you bleed the brakes to prevent any air from corrupting the system.
Yes, changing the master cylinder can affect the way you bleed the brakes. When a new master cylinder is installed, it may require a different bleeding procedure due to potential air trapped within the unit itself. It's often recommended to bleed the master cylinder before connecting it to the brake lines to ensure efficient brake fluid flow and eliminate air. After that, you can proceed to bleed the brakes at each wheel as usual.
When its old
The master cylinder on a Ford Focus is typically located near the back of the engine bay, situated on the driver's side. It is connected to the brake pedal by a pushrod and is usually mounted on or near the brake booster. The reservoir for the brake fluid is often visible on top of the master cylinder. Depending on the model year, the exact location may vary slightly, so consulting the vehicle's manual is advisable for precise details.
The rear brake lines connect to the master brake cylinder at designated ports, typically located on the side or rear of the cylinder. In a typical brake system, there's often a specific port for the rear brakes, which allows hydraulic fluid to flow from the master cylinder to the rear brake components. The exact configuration can vary depending on the vehicle's make and model. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for precise details and diagrams.
The simple answer is, never. Both of these fluids only nedd replacment when other service is done. Ie: master cylinder replacment.
Automatic transmission fluid should be changed according to the manufacturer's suggestions. Many manufacturers suggest having the fluid changed at every 100,000 miles.
In a Volvo S40, the clutch fluid is contained within the hydraulic clutch system, specifically in the clutch master cylinder reservoir. This reservoir is typically located near the brake fluid reservoir, often on the driver's side of the engine compartment. The fluid travels through hydraulic lines to the clutch slave cylinder, enabling the operation of the clutch when the pedal is pressed. It's important to regularly check the fluid level and condition to ensure proper clutch function.
It depends on the type of fluid and level of contamination or heat. if there is no problem with the fluid it should be left alone!