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littlea
New User
Feb 26, 2011, 3:17 PM
Post #1 of 9
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Oil in the brake fluid
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2008 Ford Ka 1300 27,000 miles
My car brakes frozen last night and towed to my usual garage. The mechanic says today he replaced the brake pads £80 so when I went to collect the car I was told by the other mechanics (must have outsourced the work) that the car was not fixed. They said someone has put engine oil instead of brake oil which has caused the brakes to freeze.
They say I need a cylinder (I think) another £120 at least. Thing is since I bought the car he is the only mechanic who has touched it. He says it must have been the previous owner but I've had the car 1 1/2 years so I can't see how it would cause the problem now.
Any help appreciated. Sorry I don't really know much about cars.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 26, 2011, 4:02 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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If they are right about that, you have a very serious problem. A reaction from oil in the system will take effect almost immediately and do an awful lot of damage. you usually have to change any component that has rubber in it. the includes the master, calipers. wheel cylinders, brake hoses and possibly ABS hydraulic unit. VERY expensive.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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littlea
New User
Feb 27, 2011, 3:19 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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Thanks for replying. The mechanic says he didn't do it and there must have been oil in the brake fluid chamber before I bought it. Which was 18 months ago, I just don't understand why it would take 18 months to start affecting the brakes.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 27, 2011, 5:22 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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As I just said, it will not stay in there for 18 months without a problem. Petrolium in a brake system will react within hours, if not days.
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littlea
New User
Feb 27, 2011, 5:32 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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Thanks again, sorry I'm panicking a bit and didn't read your post properly. It's engine oil not petrol.
I just wonder if the garage is trying to rip me off - what they have said does not make sense then. Everyone is saying it's someone else's fault meanwhile garage bills are racking up.
Very annoying.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 27, 2011, 5:35 AM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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Engine oil is a petrolium product and therefore not compatible with rubber and the rubber will react almost immediately.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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re-tired
Veteran
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Feb 27, 2011, 11:31 AM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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As they say we are two like people separated by a common language.
petrol = gas or gasoline
brake oil = brake fluid
motor oil = eng oil
All are petrolium products
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However brake fluid and motor oil are not compatible. If a seal for for one fluid is exposed to the other it will swell and distort. Seeing how niether you or your mechanic can prove you point , see if he will compromise . Add up parts and labor and split the bill.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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littlea
New User
Feb 28, 2011, 7:57 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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Thank you for your help. I was ready to put your points across to him, by what you guys tell me his story didn't fit at all.
Anyway he said it wasn't oil in the brake fluid after all, it was melted pipes, and he offered me a discount as well.
Thank you again!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 28, 2011, 8:04 AM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: Oil in the brake fluid
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I have some real reservations about this mechanic and his conclusions. No competent mechanic should have made a diagnosis error like that.
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