low brake fluid + power steering

[the98stang]

Well I think my brake pads are wearing down because every time I brake hard the brake light comes on. I looked at the cylinder and the fluid was over half an inch below the "MAX" mark. Are there pads on each side of the caliper? Because I recall seeing the pads a few weeks ago and they seemed alright. maybe I'm wrong...

Also, the power steering fluid is at the "MIN" mark. Should I replace that fluid as well? The car has 65k miles, and I'm not sure if the brakes/PS fluid have ever been changed.

Thanks!

 

[hotrodnut]

It's very possible that the brake pads are worn with the miles on your Mustang. When they do wear it is possible for the fluid level to go down some and not need replacing but an half an inch in the level would make me think they are gone. Yes, the pads are on each side of the calipers and if you are not sure if they need replaced just pull the wheels off and take a look.

It is also good practice to change the power steering fuild even though not many people do so.

 

[the98stang]

It's very possible that the brake pads are worn with the miles on your Mustang. When they do wear it is possible for the fluid level to go down some and not need replacing but an half an inch in the level would make me think they are gone. Yes, the pads are on each side of the calipers and if you are not sure if they need replaced just pull the wheels off and take a look.

It is also good practice to change the power steering fuild even though not many people do so.

Guess it's time to crack open the haynes repair manual!

 

[RAT]

I'd replace all of the brake pads, with 65k on the car. If your brake fluid is low afterwards, then add more. If the brake fluid is dark, I'd flush it out with new.

The power steering on the newer stangs needs to use Type F fluid. If you put in a fluid not compatible, it will make a lot of noises.

 

[bdcardinal]

newer stangs DO NOT take type F, they take Mercon/Dexron 3. usually my experiences with ford power steering units making noises, the only fix is to replace everything. i swear every v6 Explorer, every aerostar, and almost every 5.0 has the noise. ive changed just a pump and it wont go away. the only way ive ever gotten it to go away is to replace the pump, lines and rack.