Brake Fluid / Brake Inspection

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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kandabongogirl
Bongonaut
Posts: 36
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:38 pm
Location: Greater Manchester

Brake Fluid / Brake Inspection

Post by kandabongogirl » Sat Jun 22, 2019 12:09 am

Read a number of old posts on this subject with interest, some locked, after doing a search on ‘brake fluid’ and ‘brake inspection’ and not coming across much on the forum in recent years. Wonder why no recent updates / thoughts on this.

Bought my 2WD 2.5TD '96 AFT bongo earlier this Spring via Private Sale from last owner who had it serviced annually for last 2-3 years and did only a couple of 1000km a year. Reasonable previous service history (receipts) with most main items done in last 5,000km; filter changes, diff oil change, timing belt and water pump, new radiator and antifreeze. And I have done 2k km this spring since purchase, and she starts, drives, handles, and brakes well.

One of the main things I could not see on the history was details of brake fluid checks / change and pads/ discs status.

So, rather than the hassle and risk of taking all 4 tyres off myself, this week (after addressing last year’s cill welding advisories and getting it past this year’s MOT at specialist bongo garage), I took up the offer of a ‘free no obligation brake system check and report’ from my local boys in blue; you know them of the ‘you can/can’t get better’ (delete as appropriate) fame. I also have one of those cheap DIY brake fluid testers (resistance pens) which suggested a <1% moisture status (i.e. good) before I took it in – but I don’t put too much trust in those.

So what did the free 1 hour inspection and report tell me:
1) Brake pads on front are new. So must have been changed last year by last owner.
2) Disc pads on rear are 18mm which they told me is borderline worn apparently – so due.
3) Nearside rear diff seal is leaking onto rim of disk – needs addressing. Puzzling.
4) Advisory: All calliper bleed nipples are corroded – so could possibly snap.
5) Brake fluid (assumed DOT 4, but possibly DOT 3) boiling point tested at 155 deg C – so low and showing signs of moisture ingress and hence need for replacement. Was quoted £40 for a BF change.
6) Master cylinder, servo, hand brake all OK
7) Tyres all relatively new, though starting to show signs of perishing due to low mileage in last 3 years.

So, that was it. An hour later, tyres back on, a free cup of coffee from the vending machine (£1 into the donation jar) and off I drove.
Any thoughts from you bongo-experienced lot on the above report list?

kbg
23 year old salt and pepper AFT who loves a twerk to a kandabongoman tune.
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