How To Deal With Brake Fluid Leak In Your BMW X3 by Bellevue Mechanic?

In general, the braking system in your vehicle is designed with several closed components such as the brake lines, brake pedal, brake fluid, switches, pistons, cylinders, and a reservoir. Among these components, the master cylinder, brake lines, and reservoir are stationary and the switches and pistons are frequently moveable.

Thus, the brake system of the BMW X3 is completely relying on the brake fluid to operate smoothly. A small problem within these components is causing brake fluid leaks which is commonly affecting the engine performance and impact the functions of the braking system.

Moreover, the leaked brake fluid will make the master cylinder and brake pedal useless and create dangerous driving conditions. As a result, you will find spots of light yellow to brownish fluid near the wheel. So, you have to keep the brake system and brake fluid in good working order to enjoy a safe and comfortable driving.

What do mean by brake fluid?

For safe and smooth driving, the brake fluid is an essential component of the braking system. Generally, the brake fluid are transferring the movement and forces the braking system to slow or stop the BMW X3 safely once you apply the brake pedal.

When you press the brake pedal, the vacuum booster can multiply the force of the braking system behind the wheel. However, the increased force is activating the master cylinder and sends the pressurized fluid into the brake lines to stop the car.

Due to any reason, if the brake fluids are leaking, then it will cause the inability to stop the car due to the lack of brake pressure that can impact the stopping force and distance negatively.

Causes behind the leaking brake fluid

Due to numerous reasons, the brake fluid is leaking in your BMW X3. The following points define the causes behind leaking brake fluid.

Loosen bleeder valve

In your BMW, each wheel has a bleeder valve that is used for bleeding the air out of the brake systems. Due to rust, if the bleeder valve is loosened or damaged, then it will cause brake fluid leaks. If other components of the brakes are worn out like brake shoes, rotors, pads, and drums, it will cause fluid leaks and damage the seals.

Lousy ABS module

Thus, the ABS module is consisting of high-pressure brake fluid lines. When it becomes rust or wears down due to mechanical forces, the brake fluid is leaking.

Damaged piston seals

Moreover, the brake components have pistons with seals including the brake wheel cylinder, brake master cylinder, and disc brake caliper that run with hydraulic force to prevent the fluid from leaking. When the piston seal is damaged, it will allow the fluid to leak.

Broken master cylinder reservoir

In general, the brake fluid reservoir is made from plastic materials, but it is broken due to excess heat in the engine. When it happens, the reservoir is cracked and makes the brake fluid start dripping out.

Damaged brake hoses or lines

In the braking system, the brake hoses and lines are made with strong materials. But, over time, due to rough roads and extreme conditions, it can be damaged and cause fluid leaks.

Signs of brake fluid leaks

When the brake fluid is leaking in BMW X3, you will notice the following signs for the long run.

Soft brake pedal

Thus, the most common sign of brake fluid leaking is a spongy or soft brake pedal. Lack of brake fluid unable to compress in the brake lines and the brake pedal is sinking down easily. Inspect the brakes immediately when you notice the soft brake pedal.

Fluid pool under the car

Generally, the brake fluid leaks near the wheels which are light yellow or brownish are filling like slippery when touched. Leaking of the fluids to the brake lines or master cylinder under the center of the car needs the immediate attention of a mechanic.

Low brake fluid levels

A clear indication of a brake fluid leak is lowering the brake fluid level over a short period. At this point, you have to inspect the brake fluid reservoir for checking out the brake fluid level and if it is lower down, then fill the fluid back to its proper level.

Illuminated warning lights

Basically, the anti-lock braking system of the car are relying on the brake fluid to function properly and make sure that it is placed at a sufficient level in the fluid reservoir. When the brake fluid is running low, the brake light is illuminated on the dashboard of the car.

Driving the car with leaking brake fluid

Try to keep enough brake fluid in the car to run the braking system efficiently to ensure safe driving. Driving the car with a leaking brake fluid will fail the brakes entirely and make the brakes not drivable. If the brake fluid is leaking, you have to repair the brake system immediately.

Due to these reasons, you have to prevent the brake fluid from leaking with regular service and maintenance. During each service, you have to perform a visual inspection of the brake components and check the condition of the brake fluid.

Way to deal with brake fluid leaks

When the brake fluid of your BMW X3 is leaking, you have to check the brake fluid reservoir. If it is empty, then your car has fluid leaks for a while. To restore safety, you have to tow your car to a professional mechanic for repair. If the brake fluid is leaking in BMW X3 while driving on the road of Bellevue, then consult your professional local mechanic for diagnosing and fixing the problem.

We at Landmark Motors INC. located in Bellevue, WA is Bellevue's leading European auto service center. We specialize in luxury auto services and repair and our service center is state-of-the-art, with the most recent tools and software.