Brake problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Centerville La
Brake problem
I lost a lot of brake fluid on the back side so I took the wheels off and saw some fluid standing on the inside of the rim but no real indication of the source so I had my helper pump the brakes still nothing only a small spot on the bottom corner of the caliper where it look like it may of been damp is this a leaky o-ring?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by jeaux
I lost a lot of brake fluid on the back side so I took the wheels off and saw some fluid standing on the inside of the rim but no real indication of the source so I had my helper pump the brakes still nothing only a small spot on the bottom corner of the caliper where it look like it may of been damp is this a leaky o-ring?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
I have4 the same problem if i don't drive my for several weeks. I use DOT 5 brake fluid . You will be better off buying a caliper than trying to rebuild the old one . You can get them at Advance or Auto Zone with a life time warranty .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by jeaux
Thats just what happened I let it set about 3 weeks fluid low and a spot on the floor but my wheels off now and no fluid dripping.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Most likely the piston seals, which you cannot see from the outside. The seals you see are the dust seals or dust bots. I have done brake jobs where the piston seals are fine, but the tiny o-ring that seals the fluid passage between the two caliper halves was leaking. The piston seals will last the longest if the car is driven regularly. Otherwise, even if they are new, they will "flat spot" and start to leak, regardless of what type of fluid is used. Once the seals flat-spot, they have to be replaced.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Originally Posted by jeaux
I lost a lot of brake fluid on the back side so I took the wheels off and saw some fluid standing on the inside of the rim but no real indication of the source so I had my helper pump the brakes still nothing only a small spot on the bottom corner of the caliper where it look like it may of been damp is this a leaky o-ring?
Unless you have a catastrophic failure, brake leaks are slow.... not like a running faucet. Whether you are pumping/using the brakes or the car is just sitting, the fluid just seeps out slowly. A brake system should be 100% dry at all times. If there is any sign of fluid, you have a leak, regardless of whether the system is pressurized or not.
I used to do NYS safety inspections in the late 70's and one of our standard checks was to pull all wheel cylinder dust boots back to peek under them... if there was any signs of fluid whatsoever, it was legal grounds for an inspection failure. Needless to say, I did a lot of brake jobs.
Last edited by Tom454; Sep 14, 2005 at 09:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Centerville La
I took a chance on Auto Zone since I only need one at this time and I have a new one on the car from the previous owner
the only problem is the warranty will be void if I paint it to match the others
the only problem is the warranty will be void if I paint it to match the others
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Originally Posted by jeaux
I took a chance on Auto Zone since I only need one at this time and I have a new one on the car from the previous owner
the only problem is the warranty will be void if I paint it to match the others
the only problem is the warranty will be void if I paint it to match the others
You're worried about painting a caliper? I'd be worried about stopping the car.
