brake fluid, does it need flushing/changing?

[stret]

had my rear brakes changed at the garage last week as i dont have i wind in tool then today got a fluid level low warning checked and he's left the cap off and its nearly on min mark so i was wondering do i just top it up or will the fluid have been affected and need flushing (i have the cap was still on the scuttle bit)

cheers

[MARTIN FROM LLAN]

Really the garage should sort it out. How old is the fluid in the system?

[stret]

well ive never changed it, ive had the car a year. yeah im going to call him later problem is he did it at his work garage 'on the side' sort of thing so if its just case of a top up i werent gonna bother him if it needs changing ill get him to sort it

[paulhb]

It is recommended to change the fluid every 2 years but the problem you have is brake fluid is hygroscopic and therefore absorbs moisture if its been off for a week then it needs a fluid change IMHO.

[stret]

at a standstill with engine on if you press hard on the brake pedal it shouldnt slowly go to the deck should it??

[JagRigger]

Mine always has and Vauxhall said it's normal

[Leemarksmith]

at a standstill with engine on if you press hard on the brake pedal it shouldnt slowly go to the deck should it??

You talking about diesel creep?

[stret]

You talking about diesel creep?

Possibly mate is that what it is I've never noticed it before

[stret]

well topped the fluid up for now as i cant take it back to the garage till monday, so went out to stoke earlier up the a50 approaching island gently breaking and pedal didnt feel right and went straight to the floor 'oh s*** moment' released pedal, braked harder and stopped then brake light came back on, so pulled into the petrol station checked level below min again only did 10 mile since putting 500ml in topped it up got the misses to pump the brake and its ****ing out from in the middle of the car somewhere had to get towed home, any ideas anyone? dont know how having the back brakes changed could cause such a dilemma surly not a coincidence though it never leaked before

[paulhb]

Others have had this recently the steel lines go around the fuel tank and some have had them rust if it is there probably a fuel tank out and replace job I am afraid. However you look at it there is a line that needs replaced as there aren't any joints in the brake lines except at the abs pump or where the rubber pipe flexi joins the steel pipe in the wheel arches. Sorry bud.