Brakes - Pontiac Pursuit 2006 Owner's Manual

Brakes

Brake Fluid
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is
that fluid is leaking out of the brake and/or clutch
hydraulic system. If it is, you should have your brake
and/or clutch system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes and/or clutch will not work
well, or will not work at all.
Your brake master cylinder
and, on manual transaxle
vehicles, the hydraulic
clutch use the same
reservoir. The reservoir is
filled with DOT-3 brake
fluid. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12 for the
location of the reservoir.
So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake/clutch
fluid. Adding fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your brake linings are worn, then you will have
too much fluid when you get new brake linings.
You should add or remove fluid, as necessary, only
when work is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
{
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-30.
5-31