I drive a 2016 ford focus, Brake fluid line is at minimum and the fluid is brown. Have not changed brake fluid or brake pads in 8 years. My brake fluid light came on a day ago but only for a few seconds then went off.
From what I’ve gathered online it’s most likely due to my pads being worn and old fluid is causing the coloration and that’s why it’s low.
My dad and grandpa tells me that getting my fluid flushed and replaced with new is a scam. Is this true? They’re telling me to just top it off.
Start with the rear two tires in the air on jack stands, both rear tires off.
On the rear calipers in a fitting called a bleed valve, if it’s drum rear then the fitting is in the brake cylinder, look for where the brakes line comes it, it will be very close to it.
Have someone push and hold the brakes down, open that fitting with a box end wrench, wait for the old brake fluid to stop spraying out then retighten the fitting, do not lift off the brake while the fitting is open as it can suck air in.
Repeat twice more or until you see clear fluid come out, make sure to check the resovoir and top it up as needed.
Start with the tire furtherest from the master cylinder, usually passenger rear, then move to drivers side rear.
Put the tires back on and move to the front, same procedure, furtherest side first keeping the resovoir level up while bleeding.
Once all 4 brakes are done top off the resovoir and that’s it for another few years.
While you are doing the work inspect the pads and rotors for wear and damage, if they need it replace them.