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Missing Brake Fluid?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 100
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Missing Brake Fluid?
Hadn't driven the car in a few weeks and we had a -5* cold spell here in NY. Saturday I started her up (74 coupe 350) and got her warned up for a quick trip around the block. By the time I reached the end of my driveway the pedal hit the floor and the brake light came on. I checked the resivoir and the the front chamber was empty and the back chamber had most of its fluid left. I topped them both of and pumped the brakes 20 times. I couldn't find and drips or puddles. I then ran the car and repeated the brake pumping. After 5 or so pumps the brakes stiffened back up and the light went off, but still no signs of the leak. I can't get this car to show me where she's leaking from. Any ideas? I'm afraid to drive her until I can locate the issue.
When I was pulling out of the driveway I was sure I heard a popping sound but I'm assuming if a hose busted it would be dumping fluid by now.
Also all the brake hoses are new, I did them last year when I bought the car.
When I was pulling out of the driveway I was sure I heard a popping sound but I'm assuming if a hose busted it would be dumping fluid by now.
Also all the brake hoses are new, I did them last year when I bought the car.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,559
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I don't know if it's possible....
but could the fluid be leaking past the M/C piston into the P/B vacuum booster canister
(provided that you have power brakes, of course).
but could the fluid be leaking past the M/C piston into the P/B vacuum booster canister
(provided that you have power brakes, of course).
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 545
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From: Jacksonville Fl
True, test that out, you can take the valve off the master without having to bleed later. Just stick like a long white zip tie in if you can see inside. If that where your missing brake fuild is the zip tie will have sign on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
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From: Orlando FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
Its an easy fix.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
This happened to me a few years ago. I was driving in the mountains, decided to get on the accelerator a little bit. Went to apply the brakes before entering a sharp turn. To my suprise I had very little braking available. Got thru the curve ok but pulled over to check fluid level. Sure enough the front brake fluid had gone missing. I had replaced all calipers and brake hoses in the past. No sign of brake fluid leaks. Got home and refilled and have never had an issue again.
Eventually I hope to install hydroboost system. I expect that when I pull the old master cylinder and vacuum booster I'll find evidence of past leaks. Maybe the missing brake fluid is still hiding in there.
Eventually I hope to install hydroboost system. I expect that when I pull the old master cylinder and vacuum booster I'll find evidence of past leaks. Maybe the missing brake fluid is still hiding in there.
Last edited by Frankenvette; Jan 23, 2014 at 09:25 AM.