Brake cable emptied out all the brake fluid

[jsp45]

Hi,

I have a Gazelle Ultimate C5 ladies bike and it is great. I really like riding it and use it a lot.

Sometimes something goes a bit wonky and the front disk brake starts to squeal as the wheel goes round. We are gradually getting to grips with adjusting it to sort it out.

Yesterday when we were trying to sort it, all the fluid poured out of the bottom of the brake cable. It was blue and just poured right out in one big squoosh, really unexpectedly.

I just wondered if anybody else gets this happening and if you know where there is a fairly specific guide about how to un-squeak the brakes without all the brake fluid coming out?

Thanks!

 

[Gionnirocket]

Squeaks are typically contamination, wear or misalignment and have nothing to do with the fluid.
Not sure how you are adjusting the brakes but the last thing you should be doing is playing with the hydraulic line.
Watch some videos on proper brake adjustment/cleaning or take it to a shop

and...

Google Search

 

[fooferdoggie]

Well, it could be a really loose fitting on the hose connection that’s easy to check. Could be a big hole in the hose. But either way, it’s going to need a bleed and maybe new pads if the fluid got on them.

 

[jsp45]

Thank you very much, that's a helpful video. Sounds like I'm going to need to get to know them in some detail. Exciting.

 

[PedalUma]

Squeaks are typically contamination, wear or misalignment and have nothing to do with the fluid.
Not sure how you are adjusting the brakes but the last thing you should be doing is playing with the hydraulic line.
Watch some videos on proper brake adjustment/cleaning or take it to a shop

and...

Google Search

She saw a video on barrel adjusters on mechanical brakes, not realizing that they are hydraulic. She did it before and it fouled the brake, making noise, then it became catastrophic. It is going to take a trip to the bike shop. Those rotors may be permanently fouled.

 

[jsp45]

Very possibly. Good to learn new things though.

 

[PedalUma]

Very possibly. Good to learn new things though.

We all need to start somewhere. You have a very smooth bike. I love the shifting.

 

[jsp45]

Thanks I agree. It really is amazing. I love it.

 

[jsp45]

The brakes are fixed now with assistance from Dad. I will keep that video carefully bookmarked so we can fix them without losing the brake fluid next time. Thank you very much.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Very possibly. Good to learn new things though.

Yes it is... and no visible cable is a most ginormous clue
But even then on mechanical brakes.. cable tension has very little to do with brake noise except in the case that it's pulled so tight that the pads are always rubbing. Then that's an installation issue, not an adjustment.
But I am glad you're all sorted...
I'd watch a few more videos to get a few different examples and perspectives on the process. I usually pick up a different insight from multiple sources when researching an issue.

 

[jsp45]

I'm very glad that it's the front end of the bike that goes wrong, not the back end. The back end looks much fiddlier.

 

[rob feature]

The vast majority of a bike's braking ability is on the front wheel - just sayin.

Did you loosen a fitting or sommat to lose the fluid?

Squeaking usually means a contaminated rotor / pads. Rotors can be cleaned with alcohol. Pads can to a degree, but if they got hydraulic fluid or mineral oil dropped on them, might be time to replace. Maybe by a qualified wrench