(T) Brake Fluid Reservoir Replacement

Guys,

My girlfriend's mk2 1.2 Punto has an intermittent fault. The brake fluid level light flashes intermittently, but especially when cornering. The fluid level is fine, and we have disconnected the handbrake switch to eliminate that as the cause. That leaves the actual level sensor as a possible cause of the problem. When we unplug that, the intermittent fault goes away.

I assume that the reservoir and level sensor are the same unit, that must be replaced. From what I can see, the reservoir is held on by two bolts at the top, and is connected to the car via three hoses and the clip to the sensor. Is there any special trick to replacing the reservoir? I assume that I can just disconnect the hoses, plug them up and then do the swap, filling the new one with fresh fluid. Am I likely to introduce any airlocks doing this?

Many thanks,

Mike

Exactly what level is the brake fluid at? Could be like petrol in the tank making the fuel light come on when you corner hard

Jon.

Brake level is up to the 'MAX' marking in the reservoir, so it is definitely not the fluid level itself. The light comes on mainly when cornering, but also intermittently too. The local garage have said it is the sensor, but that it is not worth replacing. However, it will be worth replacing if I do it myself.

Cheers,

Mike

I would have thought you would be fine regarding airlocks. So long as air doesn't enter the brake or clutch cylinder (I.e. don't touch them at all during replacement) the only air will be in the filler pipes which should buble back up into the new reservoir when the fluid is topped up.

Xen, cheers for that. I thought so, but just wanted to be absolutely sure. Ebay time methinks....

Just be sure the clutch and brakes don't feel any softer before you drive off, otherwise they'll need bleeding (which isn't too difficult tbh.) but as i mentioned, i reckon you'll be fine.

Just get a new sensor from a scrappy. Is it one built into the cap/lid?

Jon.

no it aint on the lid in a MK2, MK1s were though.