Where did my brake fluid go?
1988 Ford F150
It's been sitting for 2 years.
Just got it running tonight and brake pedal went to floor.
Checked reservoir and it was EMPTY
What gives?!
Check all the fluids. Drain the coolant and just fill it with water for now, then flush it properly after driving it for a few days.
Change the oil and filter.
Change the PS fluid after you get it running. At least for now suck out fluid in the reservoir and top off with fresh fluid.
There's probably a leak in a brake line that rusted out, or the master cylinder or a caliper is leaking.
Sounds like a leaking brake line, my tip into fill the master cylinder with brake fluid(what ever the car recommends) and get under the car and follow the lines to each tire( they are metal lines) if you see any drips you found the leak.
Get under there and look for a puddle.
Heck the brakes are probably original, and almost 30 years old. Time to give it a darn good inspection as there are probably various bits need replacing.
Most likely leaky rusty brake lines if they were never replaced. I don't know why they are made of steel instead of stainless steel. I had a 1986 F150 4x4 and sometime before I traded it 12 years ago, one of the rusty brake lines blew out when I took it in for service and they were just driving it around the lot.
Probably a leak, even a small one could easily empty it if the car sits for YEARS.
Not that surprising really, especially considering all the other fluids in the car will probably need draining and/or refilling too anyway.
Seals dry out if not used. Your fluid leaked out. Refill the system and bleed it. Then check for leaks. If you're lucky the seals will soften again and reseal, otherwise you may need some overhaul work, In any case, after sitting for so long, a fluid flush is kind of necessary (minimum) anyway.
HI the brake fluid is hydroscopic so it absorbs water like a sponge. Water evaporates so does brake fluid. So chances are a small leak and what leaked just disappeared.
Rear wheel cylinders or rusted out brake lines.
Master cylinder leaking caliper leaking rear brake cylinder leaking brake line leaking it don't evaporate
It won't have evaporated. It can either leak form system so check for wet patches and stains. We can refill and check for actual leakage area. Do check all along circuit for fluid e.g. Connections. Servo. Etc if servo is connected directly to master cylinder? These can have a seal fail internally and fluid fill into servo casing.(rare)
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