Tom

Tom,

Q I have a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup. The brake fluid has a rusty sediment

in the bottom of the master cylinder. What could this be, and what should I
do about it?

Joe—Chicago,    Illinois

Joe,

A Rusty sediment in the brake fluid is an indication that moisture has

gotten into the system. Check the filler cap to see if the gasket is torn. This
will allow moisture to contaminate the system. When water gets into a
braking system, it travels to the lowest points in the system, setting up
oxidation and rust. My suggestion to you is to have the system power bled to
flush the old contaminated fluid out. I hope that rust has not set up
housekeeping too aggressively. Flushing the old fluid out can stop the
progression of it.