How to tell if brake fluid is leaking
You can recognize a leak in the brake system by the fluid level in the reservoir. If its level approaches the minimum mark, then a leak occurs. Also, the “!” indicator should light up on the dashboard, indicating a critical lack of fluid for the brake system. But this does not always happen, so you need to control the level manually.
Brake fluid level indicator
You can accurately understand that there is a fluid leak by making a test top-up in the expansion tank. If after this there is a sharp drop in its level, then the brake fluid leaves.
First of all, in such a situation, you need to check the expansion tank itself for cracks. If they are, the brake fluid tank must be replaced.
What does DOT consist of?
As mentioned above, the chemical composition is extremely toxic. They contain a castor oil base. However, this element is gradually becoming obsolete and brake fluids based on helicols are increasingly appearing (they cannot be mixed with regular fluids). The presence of additives in both types provides a good lubricating and anti-corrosion effect.
Some drivers don’t even know where to fill the brake fluid in the VAZ 2114 (even though the VAZ brake fluid reservoir is visible), not to mention the rules. DOT-4 needs to be added only if its level in the tank has dropped below the halfway point between the MIN and MAX marks. To do this, simply unscrew the tank cap and fill it to the top mark. The brake fluid volume should not exceed the maximum mark.
Do not under any circumstances mix products from different manufacturers and brands. This may lead to system failure, which will adversely affect your financial situation when contacting the service. Be sure to ask an expert how to add brake fluid.
In general, if all necessary conditions and rules are observed, everything is done quite simply. Any measures to normalize the operation of a car require certain tools and special clothing. This should not be forgotten, since contact with human skin of chemicals contained in fuels and lubricants is extremely dangerous to health.
But whatever one may say, in the quest for durability and reliability of your car there is nothing you can do. The acquired skills can be applied not only to the VAZ 2114, but also to other models of the domestic automobile industry. For example, the VAZ 2115 has an absolutely identical device.
Vehicle malfunctions leading to replacement of the vehicle with a VAZ 2114
The hydraulic brake system includes many different parts that allow you to operate the brakes using hydraulic fluid. It includes:
- a tank that is attached to the gas turbine engine and is intended for filling the fuel fluid;
- metal pipelines of both circuits;
- flexible brake hoses of front and rear wheels;
- GTZ installed in the engine compartment;
- working brake cylinders of front and rear wheels;
- dual-circuit pressure regulator;
- a sensor showing at what level the fuel fluid is located;
- a vacuum booster, the task of which is to create working fluid pressure in the pipelines of the circuits in order to ensure effective operation of the brake systems on the wheels during braking.
A car’s vehicle is one of the main systems that ensures the safety of the driver and passengers of the car, therefore regular preventive inspection of all elements of the vehicle is mandatory for the owner of the car.
The brake fluid on the VAZ 2114, according to the recommendations of technical specialists, is replaced every three years or no more than after 45 thousand kilometers of the vehicle.
At the same time, during the operation of a vehicle, malfunctions periodically occur in its braking system and especially in the hydraulic drive, leading to the need to replace the brake fluid. Knowledge of these malfunctions and the reasons leading to them can help the driver avoid serious troubles on the road, since in this case he can promptly identify the failure and take measures to eliminate it.
Malfunctions in the vehicle resulting in the need to replace the vehicle:
- Leaks from the working brake cylinders leading to significant loss of fuel fluid.
- The formation of air pockets in main pipelines and flexible hoses, which are formed as a result of leaks in vehicle units.
- Rupture or fraying in the flexible hoses on the wheels, in this case the brake hoses on the VAZ 2114 need to be replaced. Damage to metal pipelines is also possible; as a rule, a leak forms due to “chasing”. In both cases, the liquid quickly flows out of the vehicle, so at the slightest sign of disorder in the vehicle, these parts should be checked first.
- Damage or swelling of the sealing rings in the GTZ or wheel cylinders. This also leads to leaks.
- Leakage of fuel fluid through the sealing rings of the rear wheel RD pusher.
- There may be a leak in one of the brake circuits. In this case, partial failure of the brake pedal occurs.
- Quite rarely, but metal pipelines become clogged.
- As a result of mechanical damage, failures of the GTZ, RTC, vacuum unit and other vehicle elements are possible. To eliminate these damages on the VAZ 2114, replacing the brake fluid is a prerequisite.
Installation
Install the sensor in reverse order.
I myself had the same thing, although on a service car 2114. This really means a low brake fluid level. But this is also a signal that the brake pads and/or brake discs are worn out! Even if the level of brake fluid is normal, when braking to the floor, the “stroke length” of the brake calipers with worn pads and discs is simply higher than if both were “normally worn.” I knew about this “effect” and immediately looked at the wear of the discs and pads; the pads were very worn out. I got some brake fluid from a colleague and topped it up a little, but little changed. But when I changed the pads at the scheduled maintenance of 15000 (all the service technicians came running to see how in the fall and winter, 15,000 km away, the oak Egoryevskie pads could be erased to zero, while the discs were absolutely not worn out, only “polished”) - then the light bulb stopped burn. So first you should look at the condition of the brake pads and discs - maybe this is the reason for the “long stroke” of the calipers and the low level of brake fluid?
How to find the cause of the leak
To find where the VAZ 2114 brake fluid goes, you should conduct a thorough visual inspection.
Brake hoses
The easiest way to detect a leak is on the brake hoses - here it is enough to check the rubber by touch. If it is rigid, inelastic and cracks form when bent, the hose must be replaced, even if there are no leaks.
Brake hoses VAZ 2114
Sometimes a brake hose of the wrong diameter falls off the fitting. In this case, it should be replaced with a similar one, but smaller in diameter. You can put on the same hose, but in this case you will have to secure it with special clamps.
Wheel brake cylinders
To detect fluid leaks on the brake cylinders, remove the wheels and inspect the brake system for signs of leakage on the calipers.
VAZ-2114 is equipped with a drum braking system. To detect leaks in the wheel cylinders, the brake drums must also be removed. This usually causes difficulty in removal due to the fact that their surface wears out.
In this case, they are removed in two ways:
- You can “squeeze” the drum out of the hub by selecting bolts of the required diameter and screwing them into the threaded holes on the drum. This is done until the drum is removed.
- Knock out the brake drum by hitting its internal parts with a hammer from opposite sides.
Important! With the second method, you should only use a hammer with a rubber striker. Metal cannot be used, because The drum may be damaged.
The best option for the VAZ-2114 is to replace the entire brake cylinder assembly at once. Otherwise, you should disassemble the cylinder and inspect its parts for damage.
Brake cylinder VAZ 2114
You need to carefully examine:
- the surface of the cylinder itself;
- pistons - need to be changed if there are signs of corrosion or scratches on them;
- seals - if worn or in case of a loose fit, they should be replaced;
- Anthers - check for rips, scratches, cuts and other damage.
Attention! Before assembly, all cylinder parts should be cleaned and washed with brake fluid.
Checking the brake fluid level sensor
Release the parking brake and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
If the fluid level in the tank is below the “MIN” mark, and the corresponding icon in the instrument cluster does not light up, press the latch and disconnect the block with wires from the sensor. We close the contacts of the wiring harness block with a piece of wire.
- If the lamp does not light up, then there is a break in the car's wiring.
- If the lamp lights up, the sensor is faulty.
If the fluid level is normal (between “MIN” and “MAX”), and the warning lamp continues to light after starting the engine, press the latch and disconnect the block with wires from the sensor.
- If the lamp goes out, the sensor is faulty.
- If the light remains on, there is a short circuit in the vehicle's wiring or the instrument panel is faulty.
The sensor is replaced together with the brake master cylinder reservoir. A malfunction of the brake system is also indicated by burning ABS and ESC lamps.
Selecting and replacing brake fluid for a VAZ 2114
Hydraulic fluid is an integral part of any hydraulics. It plays a vital role in such systems, filling all the tubes and channels; it is she who carries out those operations that are inherent in mechanical elements. It plays a vital role in the braking system – it is responsible for the reaction of the brake pads. There should always be plenty of it to prevent unforeseen situations. The used liquid must be changed regularly, as over time it loses its properties. In this article we will talk in detail about how to change brake fluid.
Brake fluid reservoir
Which liquid to choose
The technical documentation describes in detail recommendations on what brake fluid to fill in the VAZ 2114. However, many motorists choose the product individually for themselves. Some prefer Bosh bunkers, others Ferodo or TRW. There are many brands of manufacturers with different technical properties to choose from. If the recommended product does not suit you in any way, you can contact a service station for help. There they will describe to you in detail the pros and cons of all famous brands. In our case, DOT-4 synthetic is recommended. This is an excellent brake fluid for VAZ 2114.
When choosing, you can pay attention to the technical properties of the product. The best samples should have high scores in the following parameters:
- Boiling temperature;
- Viscosity;
- Anti-corrosion.
The higher these parameters, the better. Choose wisely.
How much to buy
The VAZ 2114 system has a volume of 750 milliliters. Taking into account pumping and unforeseen situations, one liter is enough. There will be some left over for topping up. There is no need to carry it with you and constantly top up the pillbox. You can buy it in any quantity at any gas station. Motorists who have been driving for several years can always find out how much brake fluid is in the VAZ2114 system.
It must be remembered that DOT-4 is extremely toxic, so spilling it on open skin is highly undesirable. Therefore, it is not worth storing it in the trunk.