Brake fluid leak or not

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
M

mousemat

Active Member
Posts
63
Location
Wexford Ireland
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
 
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
Click to expand...
Reservoir was over filled, it should be filled with the engine running to the max mark, engine off the level will rise considerably
 
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
Click to expand...
Marjon

AC hasn't worked since I bought the car 6 years ago.

Drips looked like brake fluid but I can't be sure. It was such a small amount.
 
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
 
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
Click to expand...
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 😕
 
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 😕
Click to expand...
All pipes knackered sounds unlikely. The open window does not keep the electronics dry. Usual problem is the condenser leaking. Easy job.
 
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.
 
To clarify what Keith said, the booster pump must be running. If your garage did it, they've overfilled it.

1716657771327.png
 
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.
Click to expand...
Fluid looks fairly clear, almost yellow
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...
Auto box cooler lines on the diesel are on the left side, opposite side to the brake fluid, maybe the V8 is different?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Disco 2 Nanocomm does not bleed after 0.5L or more of brake fluid was lost in braking system
Replies
2
Views
299
Kaijun
K
B
Freelander 2 power steering
Replies
4
Views
396
Stv123
Stv123
stevebrookman
P38A 3rd time broke in 17 years-brake pipe kaput this time.
Replies
18
Views
1K
Grrrrrr
Grrrrrr
I
L322 Could anyone help with 2005 RR HSE fluids questions?
Replies
0
Views
335
invisible999
I
B
Metal brake fluid reservoir for Td5
Replies
7
Views
509
Baldgit
B
Back
Top