Service dept. forgot to replace brake fluid cap

[Stuckinmichigan]

Today my friend found his brake fluid cap smashed under the hood of his car, instead of on the reservoir like it's supposed to be.

He had his car (mazda6) serviced about a month ago and the brake fluid was topped off. During the past month with no brake fluid cap, the brake performance hadn't noticeably been compromised. Some brake fluid had splashed out of the reservoir. Of course there is going to be alot of water in the system, but are there any other issues to be aware of? It isn't possible that there could already be some corrosion in only a month? From my basic understanding of this, they will just bleed the system and remember to put the cap on when he brings it in.

I have only heard of stories like these posted on forums, but never from someone I know. I will feel alot better when I get an update at work tomorrow. Where is the graemlin with his fingers crossed?

Kirk

 

[SPITMAN]

were talking moisture and dirt in the system not to mention what any brake fluid that was spilt will do towards ruining a painted surface -- get tough with the dealer ............

 

[Flimflam]

quote:

---

Originally posted by SPITMAN:
were talking moisture and dirt in the system not to mention what any brake fluid that was spilt will do towards ruining a painted surface -- get tough with the dealer ............

---

I have never allowed any dealer to touch my brake or clutch fluid reservoirs. Reason: one minute speck of dust can dramatically reduce the boiling point of the brake fluid.

My car is now 4.75 years old and the brake and clutch fluid look like **** . But I still refuse to let any Joe Schmoe working for a dealer touch the hydraulic fluid reservoirs. If I wind up having to do the flush/bleed myself, then so be it.

 

[porterdog]

SPITMAN got it IMO. The two issues are 1) wet fluid (easily fixed with another bleed, I would really doubt any long term damage was done)

2) Where did the fluid go? That's the ugly one- brake fluid is an excellent paint remover, and there's no telling exactly where it ran to over the course of it's adventures. I'm not certain what would make me happy in this instance, but an extended corrosion warrantee would be at the top of the list.

$0.02,
Robert

 

[widman]

Moisture and dirt.. Probably no immediate corrosion, but you need to get it all out as ASAP. A complete flush at all wheels until it comes out clean. And a careful watch that it doesn't leak for the next month or so from trapped dirt.

 

[sprintman]

Change fluid it's toast. Then toast the dealer!!

 

[Stuckinmichigan]

The ironic part of this is that the car was orignially serviced for a recall to replace the brake fluid level float that was incorrectly installed.

It doesn't sound like there was too much fluid spilled outside of the reservoir, so that shouldn't be too much of a concern. But, I will ask him if any fluid had come in contact with painted areas. Could the fluid damage any plastic parts located in that area?

Of course the fluid is shot, but it doesn't sound like there will be any permanant damage from this. The car is currently at the dealer getting repaired. I think he may do a close inspection this time and probably any other time he lets someone else touch his car. My initial guess was that a good flush was all that was needed and that's all that has been recommended so far. Thanks.