Brake Fluid leak
Discussion
Just noticed that the brake fluid has almost disappeared after the winter layover. I have a horrible feeling its leaking into the servo as there are no signs of any leaks underneath or at the wheel cylinders. What is the course of action to remove it (pedal box out)cost to replace the seals and is it something a DIY type can do or entrust to good local specialist?
Chris
Chris
Nobody got any thoughts or experience on how to do this?
Just noticed that the brake fluid has almost disappeared after the winter layover. I have a horrible feeling its leaking into the servo as there are no signs of any leaks underneath or at the wheel cylinders. What is the course of action to remove it (pedal box out)cost to replace the seals and is it something a DIY type can do or entrust to good local specialist?
Chris
I also had this problem, I only noticed when the warning light stayed on, fluid level slightly low so I just topped it up. All seemed well for a few weeks - mis-placed optimism ! I later discovered fluid had leaked into the footwell soaking into the carpets, both brake and clutch m/cs leaking. It appears that the m/cs are bolted to the rear of the pedal box which has to be removed via the footwell. I decided against spending a lengthy period inverted in the footwell, (I don't straighten-up as easily these days) my local garage declined for the same reason. Eventually I got a non-franchised specialist to do the honours (details supplied if you're anywhere near Bradford). As most of the bill was labour I had both cylinders replaced, rather than replacement seals, my previous success with seal-kits being only 50%. If you've the time and inclination to do what appears to be a messy, lengthy and un-comfortable job you'll save £s (but with the posture of Quasimodo ?) Your call.
Chris - I posted the basic procedure when you asked this question a week ago. The procedure is not difficult but just extremely difficult because of access and hence most people remove the seat and steering column.
Best advice is get someone else to do it as it could take a couple of days!
PS Have you checked the brake callipers for leaks?
PPS have you removed the clutch cover nad had a look insdie the wing for fluid?
Best advice is get someone else to do it as it could take a couple of days!
PS Have you checked the brake callipers for leaks?
PPS have you removed the clutch cover nad had a look insdie the wing for fluid?
Yes thanks Steve, I saw that but there is nothing in the (Mk.I) bible about removal. I checked the clutch cylinder that is full to overflowing and there doesn't appear to be any fluid inside the bottom of the servo area. I have been told that Ford servos used are prone to this when not used for periods ie over winter and will probably do it again even when replaced after a couple of years.
Chris the m/cs contain the hydraulic fluid, the servo itself is vacuum operated so should not - unless the brake m/c has leaked into it !
If your footwell is dry and there are no signs of leakage around the pedal pivots your m/c could well be o.k.
I would very carefully check the rest of the braking system for leakage, paying particular attention to flexi-hoses, sorry but you'll need to remove the wheels to do this properly.
Sometimes the brake fluid level can drop due to wear on the brake pads, or even evaporation (if you've ever given it some serious stick) especially if the hydraulic fluid hasn't been changed for a while (hydroscopic you see).
If there's nothing obvious top-up the system and bleed it to eliminate possible airlocks then check again for leakage - that fluid must be going somewhere.
Worth a try and certainly easier/cheaper than playing with the m/c.
If you draw a blank & fuid continues to drop I'd recommend you take the car to a specialist, or even if you're just not happy with the brakes - don't take chances we're a long time pushing-up daisies !
If your footwell is dry and there are no signs of leakage around the pedal pivots your m/c could well be o.k.
I would very carefully check the rest of the braking system for leakage, paying particular attention to flexi-hoses, sorry but you'll need to remove the wheels to do this properly.
Sometimes the brake fluid level can drop due to wear on the brake pads, or even evaporation (if you've ever given it some serious stick) especially if the hydraulic fluid hasn't been changed for a while (hydroscopic you see).
If there's nothing obvious top-up the system and bleed it to eliminate possible airlocks then check again for leakage - that fluid must be going somewhere.
Worth a try and certainly easier/cheaper than playing with the m/c.
If you draw a blank & fuid continues to drop I'd recommend you take the car to a specialist, or even if you're just not happy with the brakes - don't take chances we're a long time pushing-up daisies !
Well thanks for the tips. I have infact bled the system as it was time to change the fluid anyway as you suggest. In so doing I have checked all the hoses very carefully and no leaks. I tried bleeding using the pedal as per normal procedure, but when starting the engine and pressing the pedal it goes to the floor - see other thread for the details. I bled the sytem another three times and no change.
The consensus is I have a duff m/cylinder and probably damaged servo by fluid leak. The m/cylinder seals are made worse by using the pedal to bleed it as that has rolled over the seals hence no brakes at all now.
I have ordered a new servo and getting m/cylinder at the weekend fo someone else to fit. This is turning out to be expensive £300ish and will be time consuming to fit. I was told that is what happens through lack of use.
The consensus is I have a duff m/cylinder and probably damaged servo by fluid leak. The m/cylinder seals are made worse by using the pedal to bleed it as that has rolled over the seals hence no brakes at all now.
I have ordered a new servo and getting m/cylinder at the weekend fo someone else to fit. This is turning out to be expensive £300ish and will be time consuming to fit. I was told that is what happens through lack of use.
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