Getting the motorhome ready for a trip out West in June so I had the break fluid flushed and replaced with new dot 3 break fluid. The Ford mechanic found a grease like substance in the master cylinder so he removed it and cleaned it out before flushing out the break system. He said he has never seen anything like this before he said it wasnt caused by moisture. I had my break fluid flushed and replaced two years ago per Ford specs. Has anyone else expierenced this type of brake fluid contamination and have a clue what causes it?
Motor City Swagman 2000 Bounder 36S
Ford V-10, Banks Power Pack w/ TC,
BrakeBuddy,Davis Tru Trac,Safe T Plus,Aventa II & Xplorer Sport Trac
I think I have heard that it is a lubricant that is used during the matercylinder manufacturing process and before it was mounted in the final assembly where brake fluid was added. My master cylinder had the same thing and it is on a Workhorse chassis, not a ford. Maybe someone else can remember the post about it.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
"Aside from normal wear, master cylinders most often fail because of dirt, water and oil contamination in the brake fluid. DOT 3 and 4 brake fluids in current use are hygroscopic fluids, which means that they absorb water from the atmosphere.
Technicians may also contaminate master cylinders by forcing the caliper pistons back into their bores without isolating the caliper. High-mileage systems are particularly vulnerable because the calipers may contain rust and sludge that will cause the master cylinder to behave erratically or fail altogether.
Water-contaminated fluid may be rust-colored and very viscous in appearance and to the touch. This is commonly refered to as sludge. When fluid contamination reaches this stage, the master cylinder must be replaced."
After I heated my brakes up one time (in stop and go traffic for two hours) the fluid turned to a jelly consistence (it was also very dark and grease like). After I had the unit flushed and replaced with new fluid all was fine. The mechanic said I should change the break fluid every two years (and now I do).
That substance is normal, it's used as othertonka said, not to worry, had it in mine, never any problem. The fluid in my master cylinder reservoir has always been clean and clear.
Thanks for the replies I feel better about it now. I had the slide pins cleaned and lubed and brake pad material thickness measured two years ago when I had brake fluid replaced. I plan on having the slide pins done again at the next two year brake fluid replacement intervel. I typically put about 5000 miles a year on my rig and do a lot of prevenative maintenance but sometimes wonder if I am overdoing somethings. What does Ford recommend for slide pin cleaning and lubing?
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