BMW Soft Brake Pedal

How a Brake Fluid Leak Can Affect Your BMW’s Braking Performance

Your BMW’s brake system should provide accurate control and elite stopping power by using disc brakes. If there is a brake fluid leak in your BMW, that means the brake fluid that allows your brakes to operate is escaping from the system.

When you suspect brake problems in your BMW, bring your BMW to Kruse Lucas Imports. Our experts will provide fast and affordable brake repairs. Symptoms of a brake fluid leak are soft brake pedals, brake warning light, fluid puddles, pulling sensation while braking, reduced brake performance, and low brake fluid levels. These signs are important indicators of your BMW having a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can be caused by worn seals, damaged brake lines, faulty anti-lock braking systems (ABS), bleeder valve problems, worn brake pads, and piston seal failure.

If a brake fluid leak is not addressed immediately, then it can have serious impacts on brake performance. Your vehicle could experience a loss of hydraulic pressure, which can lead to very dangerous braking situations. The vehicle will have less effective brakes and may not be able to stop properly due to a loss of fluid.

Signs of a Brake Fluid Leak in Your BMW

Is your BMW taking longer to stop? Do you have to push harder on the brake pedal while braking? These are signs that something is wrong with your braking system. Below are signs that link to a brake fluid leak, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Soft brake pedal

  • The brake pedal will go down further while braking or feel spongy. This is an indication of a loss of hydraulic pressure due to a leak.

Brake warning light

  • Your BMW’s brake warning light will light up on your dashboard to signify low brake fluid levels. This is a common sign of a leak.

Fluid puddles under the wheels

  • A puddle of fluid will form a spot under the wheels of your vehicles, which could be brake fluid. Especially if it is by the calipers.

Pulling sensation while braking

  • A brake fluid leak can cause your BMW to pull to one side while braking because of uneven brake pressure.

Reduced braking performance

  • A fluid leak can reduce braking performance by causing a lack of responsiveness, or the vehicle needs a longer distance to stop.

Low brake fluid level

  • To see if the brake fluid levels are low, check the brake fluid reservoir under the hood.

Potential Leak Locations in a BMW Brake System

Let our skilled mechanics diagnose where the leak is coming from. These are the following locations a leak will most often occur from:

Master cylinder seals

  • The most common area for leaks. The master cylinder can wear over time and become worn or even break.

Brake calipers

  • Seals inside the calipers can wear and crack, which will lead to a fluid leak.

Brake lines

  • Brake fluid can leak when the seals in brake lines become worn or crack.

Bleeder valves

  • Damaged or loose bleeder valves will leak brake fluid.

Is Your BMW Brake Performance Lacking?

When you see signs of a brake fluid leak, it is very important to bring your BMW into our shop. A brake fluid leak can make your brake system faulty over time, and this can lead to an accident. Let our technicians diagnose your BMW and see what the cause is. The following problems are the most common we find.

Worn seals

  • Worn seals are the most common reason for brake fluid to leak. Brake components like the master cylinder or calipers have seals that are known to wear over time.

Damaged brake lines

  • Brake lines can corrode or become physically damaged over time. Areas that are exposed to road salt seem more susceptible. The damage will cause the brake lines to leak.

Faulty ABS module

  • The ABS, anti-lock braking system, module can leak fluid if there are issues.

Bleeder valve problems

  • Bleeder valves are used to remove air from the brake system. If this part is damaged or loose, then it can cause brake fluid leakage.

Worn brake pads

  • Brake pads wear out over time, and this causes the caliper piston to travel farther. This can cause the seals to be under more pressure and will lead to leaks.

Piston seal failure

  • Serious brake fluid leaks can happen if the seal on the caliper pistons starts to fail or is damaged.

BMW Brake Fluid Filling

At Kruse Lucas Import, our team has years of combined experience to provide you and your BMW with top-notch car service. Our professionals have helped many clients in Modesto return their vehicle’s functionality with dealership-quality service and repairs. We service drivers in Modesto and the following areas:

Schedule an appointment today online at https://kruselucas.com/ or call to book one at 209-529-9111.

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