Brake fluid leak or not

mousemat said:

Here's a question.

Last drive my P38 on Sunday. Left it parked on my driveway all week. Popped out to the drive Thursday to find a puddle of what looked like brake fluid based on where it was laying under the engine. I placed a metal tin under to catch the last few drips.

Opened up the bonnet to see that the brake fluid reservoir was full to the cap and looked like the fluid was seeping out of the cap.

Key in the ignition and waited for the pump to stop. Fluid in the reservoir now bang on the Max mark.

Left it overnight and popped the bonnet to see the fluid in the reservoir between the Max mark and the top of the reservoir. Looked at the tin and there were maybe three or four spots of fluid, I'm guessing these where from the residue dripping off the chassis.

No warning lights appeared at all. I've never put any fluid in. It's been hot here for the last few days and the P38 has been in direct sun ever since Sunday.

Checked it again this afternoon and again, level is between Max and the top of the reservoir. Only a few spots again, most likely what's coming off of the chassis.

Car drives fine and the brakes work with no issues. No loss of fluid when pumping the brakes.

Should I be worried? It's off to the garage Wednesday to be looked at

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Datatek said:

Reservoir was over filled, it should be filled with the engine running to the max mark, engine off the level will rise considerably

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marjon said:

You say it was hot? So you were running the AC. So when you stopped was it just the AC run off dragging oily residue, what did the few drips look like?

J

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marjon said:

I would need to look at the brake/accumulator circuit again. I do know it bleeds back but not sure all does.

If you haven’t touched fluids then something has changed, so as you are getting it checked probably best.
Has the pump been running noticeably longer?

It’s not ATF fluid is it?
Oh and get your AC sorted, it benefits the car and you will love it .

J

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mousemat said:

Pump seems to be normal, certainly no longer than usual.

Pretty sure it's not ATV based on where the fluid has dropped. It's run down the back of the Off Side front wheel arch, pretty much directly below the Brake Fluid reservoir. The ATF reservoir is front nearside of the engine.

I did look at having the AC repaired but was told all the pipes where knackered so I use the window. Not perfect though

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Graculus said:

When was your last brake fluid change? is the fluid a really dark colour? It's possible that there is significant levels of water in the brake fluid (it's hygroscopic) if it hasn't been changed every 2-3 years or so, this would also explain the expansion in warmer weather.

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mousemat said:

Fluid looks fairly clear, almost yellow

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pwood999 said:

To clarify what Keith said, the booster pump must be running. If your garage did it, they've overfilled it.

View attachment 317921

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mousemat said:

It was replaced last year. Been running fine ever since. It's not been over filled

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marjon said:

ATF for the gearbox not the PAS.
Cooler lines come down that side don’t they.

What is your P38 though I guess we should ask.


J

Edit just seen you say it’s sort of clear.

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marjon said:

ATF for the gearbox not the PAS.
Cooler lines come down that side don’t they.

What is your P38 though I guess we should ask.


J

Edit just seen you say it’s sort of clear.

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