LostAndFound

Hey I had to take off my caliper, and brake fluid kept dripping so I just pumped the brake pedal to get the brake fluid out of the system, is it alright if theres no brake fluid in the system for a while? probably a stupid question. thanks

garados

iTrader: (3)

i guess you should make sure to benchbleed the master cylinder once you re-install everything. Bench bleeding entails taking the cylinder off and bleeding it by hand and making sure there are NO bubbles in it. It really sucks to do, but it is close to being absolutely essential if you ran the master cylinder dry or if you install a new one.

LostAndFound

the master cylinder is right under the brake fluid container right. Is there anyway i can make the brake fluid stop coming out, im guna try ziptying it tightly in an upright position. its not completely dry right now.

garados

iTrader: (3)

just as long as the MC isn't dry and you don't put any pressure in the system (pushing the pedal down) then some plastic baggie can be rubber-banded or zip tied on to keep the fluid in. Just don't keep it like that for long. I bet the fluid will eat through it pretty quickly.

Chris

plug the line somehow

Try to make sure the MC stays in fluid or it will begin to rust, and then you will need to replace it.

LostAndFound

ok I plugged it up, car is not being driven anywhere till ig et my swap in anyway. Can I just put any brake fluid in just so it doesnt rust. Before the car is on the road Im getting new rotors and pads anyway and im guna completely bleed the whole system. Im not sure what kind of brake fluid was used in the car before, I just bought the shell. So should I just go to autozone and buy some shitty fluid?

chrisnova

Basically you can mix DOT 3 fluids,but it is not recommended to mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 together. DOT 4 is is used on higher performance brake systems and typically has a higher boiling point so the fluid is less likely to boil under hard braking. The downside is that the fluid is hygroscopic. That is , it absorbs water and will destroy brake calipers and other parts through rust in 2 years if not bled periodically. ANyway, my 89 Integra uses DOT 3. Consult your owners manual to be sure of which type your master cylinder uses before pouring some into the reservoir (the thing above the master cylinder). In the future it is better to just plug the hose line end with something rather than drain themaster cylinder and get involved in lotas of bleeding and air bubble which will lead to poor performance on that that brake and perhaps others. You can use lots of stuff to plug the line. I use chewing gum or sometimes the right size bolt. Be careful though not to damage the brake line. Best of luck!