QuestionHi,
I have a 1989 Eagle Premier with a 3.0v6 (also same as a 90-92 Dodge Monaco). I just finished doing some brakework on it which included replacing a master cylinder that was leaking into the brake booster (I cleaned the brake booster out too). During bleeding, the brake fluid that was coming out was clean, but it was a very distinct light-dark green color. After driving the car about 6 miles today, all of the fluid in the brake reservoir was the same green color even though it was clear, brand new DOT 3 brake fluid to begin with. We have been having problems with the brakes and have probably ran new fluid through the lines at least 3 times, but have never gotten this green color. I'm wondering what causes green fluid and how to repair it?
AnswerHi Dan,
Try doing a search for 'green color brake fluid' and you will find a great variety of suggestions, and numerous entries about this, ranging from algae growing in some sort of water contaminant, to breaking down of special agents in the brake fluid, to copper contamination of the fluid due to corrosion of copper used in the brake line and fittings metallic naterials, to being a normal color in some vehicle manufacturer's brake fluid formulae, and I would add the possibility of somehow the antifreeze (if you are using green colored antifreeze) has some how cross-contaminated the brake fluid, though I don't see an obvious pathway). This is first time I have been asked about this issue so I can't do more than suggest that you do such an on-line search, contemplate upon the history of your present vehicle, and draw a conclusion from that. I will be very interested to know what you find.
If you do have a history of green antifreeze usage, and there were some sort of a nead gasket leak in the history, there is a possibility of such fluid entering the brake booster via the vacuum line that connects the intake manifold to the booster, in light of the color you found when cleaning the booster unit.
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
