New Sport Trac owner with a question...

[krooozn]

Hi all....I just purchased a 2007 Sport Trac XLT about a month ago, I love the truck, but do have a question. I was out checking my fluids and noticed the brake fluid was black! I am a novice mechanic, but I know enough to know that the fluid shouldn't be black in color. So I guess my question will be two fold.....first.....what made the fluid turn black and second.....how can I change the fluid? I don't know how to bleed the brakes, my stepdad told me to just take a syringe and draw out all the fluid except for a very small amount in the bottom, then just fill the master cylinder back up with fresh fluid. Does this sound feasible? I have noticed that the brakes don't feel as solid as I think they should....will just replacing the fluid in the master without bleeding the lines help this issue, or do I need to find someone who can bleed my brakes for me? I sure don't want to lose my brakes so I would like to get this taken care of as soon as possible.

Thanx so much for any and all help.....Anita :notworthy

 

[BOHICA1344]

From what I've heard brake mushiness is common. As for the color I have no idea what could be causing that. Earls makes a brake bleeding kit and there's online videos instructing you how to do it. I believe that kit was at autogeek.net but it's been a while since I've seen it. Steel braided brake lines should help with pedal feel. I haven't put them on my ST, but they've helped on every other car. Good luck.

 

[jrford]

If you can't do it yourself . .
in the past over 100k and usually after i replace all the rotor/pads i'll take it into my local quick lube joint. I think it was about $100 but they have a machine that replaces all the fluid. You can start with the turkey baster, but that will not replace the fluid in the lines and calipers.

 

[GreenMando]

I would replace the fluid before I bled the system thou. No point in rriving all that bad fluiid thru.