Really need advice please
Please help me understand this. This is about a 2013 Ford Fusion that is pretty well cared for. My partner’s car had a boot torn in two places and needed a right axle, for two years supposedly. My mechanic recently looked everything over then recommended replacing the right axle before we drove half across the country. We got the axle replaced then drove to our destination, 12 hours away. Once we got here, the “brake fluid level low” light came on several times. We took it to a local shop. The mechanic here said that the brake pads and rotors were completely soaked with brake fluid. He charged a cleanup fee and replaced pads and rotors on the front. The mechanic here said a banjo bolt on the brake caliper was very very loose. He said it bolts up to one of the brake lines so when the brakes were hit, it was gushing fluid. Once the banjo bolt was tightened, it stopped leaking. But damage to the pads and rotors was already done. $750+ later, we thought we were good. Question: How serious was this gushing brake fluid, to our safety? Is this just something that happens sometimes? I have always thought highly of my mechanic and trust him hardcore so I’m really shocked, I’m not sure how this would happen, and from what I’m being told, it put our lives in jeopardy (even if unintentional). Please give me the rundown so I have the full picture.
Also, Two days later, the side is making a weird grinding squealing noise but I can’t hear it well unless I open the window. It sounds like it’s on the left side. It makes the most noise when pressure is placed on the left side, like when turning left or going over uneven ground. I’m assuming we need to take it back to the local mechanic that did the brake fluid clean up, pad and rotor replacements? Any idea of what it could be?
Thank you for your time!