Hi guys, I just noticed that the brake fluid in my clutch master cylinder is red. Has anybody seen red brake fluid? Does anybody know if brake fluid comes is red? Or did somebody put transmission fluid in the reservoir?

 

No, I haven't. I am working and have worked in dealership service department for several years...seen clear, light yellow, brown and dark brown but not red.

You'd better hope it isn't contaminated with tranny fluid or you will have to replace every seal in the system.

 

The stock brake fluid in my 06 Mazda 6 was red. I'm not saying its the same stuff, just that it exists.

 

OK, Thanks guys. I'll just drain it and refill with new. Hopefully the seals were not damaged.

 

ATF will eat seals,so Verify that it is Auto trans fluid,,and IF so,change your Master,soft line and slave on your clutch system.
It'd be better to do it now than later when you are on the road and stranded due to Crapped out clutch hydraulics!

 

The master cylinder and the slave cylinder are both ruined. The PO must have topped off the clutch master cylinder with ATF. Only God knows why.

I ordered new ones from Atkins. They should be here in a few days.

I don't think the PO was very mechanically inclined. Almost everything he tried to repair, he made worse or totally ruined.

 

although Costly,you will be thanking yourself in the long run.
I try to think Safety too,so really not having your car in the middle of an Off ramp with you on the cell phone calling a tow truck is GOOD reason too!
..also,I hate to say this but sometimes you can get stuff cheap at places like Napa for the usual parts such as brake pads,hardware kits,calipers,Master and slave clutches,starters.
The car may be Unique but everyone needs to stop and go,so parts like I mentioned are cheaper through "jobbers"..Specialty shops are fine,but you can find cheaper if you look.

 

wait a minute, it's your car right? and you didn't know if someone put "something" into the reservoir ?

there are red brake fluids, there are also Blue ones. it's just a dye. most are clear (or yellow-ish)

 

Correct, it is my car but it has never really been driven. I've had it for a year but it has never been more than 100 yds from my garage.
The PO must have added the transmission fluid to the cylinder.