Small leak from drivers side rear
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
From: Shelby Township, Michigan
Small leak from drivers side rear
My car is stored in the garage over the winter and tonight I noticed some fluid coming from underneath the rear drivers side tire area. Upon closer inspection it looks like its might be coming from the brake. Full disclosure the car was jacked up slightly so the tires would not have flat spots (I did this last year with no issues) It's been this way since November and hasn't moved. Could the cold cause a small leak like this? Car details: 69 Convert, 4 speed, 350/350, manual brakes, manual steering. Park brake was fixed last summer along with some other minor items. I won't inspect it until spring time but just wanted to know what to check for once I get the wheel off. Thanks.
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The only thing that could leak over there is brake fluid, so there is a high probability that is the problem and it just happens.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,270
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From: Randolph nj
check the easy stuff first like the bleeder and the line going into the caliper for leaks but most of the time they will leak from the lip seals
and yes the rubber seals expand and contract with the cold weather you also could have water in the caliper and it froze and pushed the seal out
and yes the rubber seals expand and contract with the cold weather you also could have water in the caliper and it froze and pushed the seal out
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
In that area, it could be the brake hose, steel line or one of the junction fittings and not the caliper at all.
You didn't mention whether or not you pressed on the brake pedal lately. So, without pictures, it's anybody's guess.
Because the vehicle was jacked up all winter, I would lean towards a brake line issue being stressed.
You didn't mention whether or not you pressed on the brake pedal lately. So, without pictures, it's anybody's guess.
Because the vehicle was jacked up all winter, I would lean towards a brake line issue being stressed.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I'd bet the caliper itself is leaking at the seals. Brakes in these older Vettes don't like sitting. Some say to pump the brake pedal periodically when storing a Vette to move the pistons a bit. You don't need to start the car for this procedure.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: South Texas
Coming from someone who just all but replaced every piece of the brake system, yes, the lip seals will basically disintegrate/dissolve if you do not exercise them. My car sat for roughly one year - all seals were toast and my wallet is lighter.
Unless you're hell-bent on maintaining lip seals, I'd consider an o-ring conversion kit (or get'm rebuilt with o-rings) and never look back.
Unless you're hell-bent on maintaining lip seals, I'd consider an o-ring conversion kit (or get'm rebuilt with o-rings) and never look back.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Western New York
I agree it's more than likely the lip seals letting go. The seals on my rear calipers let go last winter while up on the Quick Jacks so I rebuilt them with CSSB o-ring rebuild kits. Now, about 3 weeks ago I noticed a wet spot on the floor and upon further inspection found that the left front caliper has taken a crap. It's a SS sleeved caliper but has the lip seal which I did many years ago. I ordered another kit of O-rings, pistons, springs, etc to do both fronts when the weather gets warmer and also got the SS brake hoses which I'll replace, too. After all is done, I shouldn't have to worry for a while. Good luck with your rebuild.
Duane
Duane
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If its the caliper the fluid will be on the inside of the wheel and tire.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
From: Shelby Township, Michigan
Thanks for the advice. It was coming from inside the wheel. More than likely the caliper. No more leaking since I took it off the jacks. Wait til the weather brakes before looking at it. Another 2-4" of snow expected here in Michigan. 