Car went into the garage this morning to have the brake fluid changed and brake system checked.

The brake fluid they extracted was black! A couple of people have said it looked more like engine oil. It had been in the system for 18 months and was due to be replaced later this year at the winter service.

The garage acknowledged that due to the hot temperatures and the size & weight of the car it would be better to replace the brake fluid annually from now on and maybe they should have taken this into consideration earlier. Accordingly they only charged me for the new brake fluid and waived the cost of the labour.

I've not yet tested it under the 'right' conditions, but as the rest of the braking system was absolutely fine I think the fluid was the cause as some of you correctly said.

(The garage wanted to keep with DOT 4 LV even though they stock 5.1 LV, - purely because this is what the handbook recommends.) Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Black? That doesn't sound right. There was a recall for engine oil getting in to the brake master cylinder, I wonder if yours is affected by this issue:

https://www.disco3club.co.uk/gallery/album...P017v6.pdf 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

I've had the car over 6 years now and it's been regularly serviced with appropriately timed brake fluid changes. The braking efficiency has never given me cause for concern before, and on previous occasions the used fluid has been what would be expected. I've been here through 5 summers but the temperatures this year have increased and this is the first time I've had this problem - and only when it's been really hot of late.

I have no idea if it's had this recall done as it's been imported 3 times during its life and there's limited information on the UK database and there is nothing in the paperwork to say it's been done.

I'm grateful for this @RRSTDV8 and thank you very much for taking the time to upload it. It's definitely something I will follow up if the problem reoccurs, that is if the fluid was the cause, which is highly likely.

 Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

I think If engine oil is actually getting into the brake hydraulic system and contaminating the fluid, then you have a major issue as engine oil will destroy the internal rubber components/seals of the braking system. I would have thought If oil has been entering the system then the level in the fluid reservoir should have increased as well, in addition surely if oil can enter then when pressure is applied to the system brake by applying the brake pedal, fluid could possibly also be forced out.Was that recall on engine oil getting into the brake vacum servo/booster not into the system via the master cylinder?

Cheers
Col

I gave this some thought overnight and contacted the garage this morning.

In their opinion the brake fluid they bled out did not contain engine oil. I'm not sure if there is a way to be 100% certain but they know the car and the engine well.

They checked everything else thoroughly while they had it including all the other fluids and levels. Fingers crossed it was just badly soiled brake fluid.  Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

You could always send a sample of the fluid to have it tested, there are firms that will do it for you if you are really concened about it.

Cheers
Col

Thanks Col. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

With fresh fluid in now, you can keep an eye on it. I don't believe it should get dark very quickly even in Southern Europe. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

That's the plan @RRSTDV8. It will be going in for a service around the end of October and they will check it then provided all stays well between now and then.

Thanks to everyone once again for all your input.  Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2