Breaks - help!

payydg · May 18, 2013

Hello,

So I was driving home and the break Warning light flickered a few times and then stayed on. When I got home the reservoir was depleted and there was what looked like break fluid around the inside of the right rear wheel. The break lines look ok so I'm assuming it's coming from somewhere internal.

What are the likely causes of this? I know the only way to tell is to take the wheel off and have a look but I'm quite inexperienced in all this and it would be really helpful to know what I should be checking. Also, I won't be able to properly have a look until next weekend and I'd like to order some parts to give me a bit of an arsenal to tackle the problem.

Thanks

Dave

td5tool · May 18, 2013

Fill the brake fluid res up and have someone press the brake pedal, that should let you know where it's coming from

landowner · May 18, 2013

I would assume that a new brake cylinder was required as its obviously leaking.
You will need linings as they will be contaminated.

You might as well do both sides because when one goes the other isn't far behind.

So I would buy a set of brake linings, two new brake cylinders and some brake cleaner (in a spray can) and then repair my rear brakes like new.

You could do just the one side and maybe get a repair kit for the cylinder and boil the linings to get the old fluid off but that's just bodging it till a later date.

I'm sure you will get similar advice soon

payydg · May 18, 2013

landowner said:
I would assume that a new brake cylinder was required as its obviously leaking.
You will need linings as they will be contaminated.

You might as well do both sides because when one goes the other isn't far behind.

So I would buy a set of brake linings, two new brake cylinders and some brake cleaner (in a spray can) and then repair my rear brakes like new.

You could do just the one side and maybe get a repair kit for the cylinder and boil the linings to get the old fluid off but that's just bodging it till a later date.

I'm sure you will get similar advice soon

Great thanks! Stupid question but what will be contaminating the break lines? Also, how much of the rear break lines should I replace?

Do I need to drain all the break fluid and replace and bleed the lot?

Dave

Pikey · May 18, 2013

if ya need to ask the above questions you don't want to touch your brakes.. Get someone who actually knowas what he's doing to sort them out. By all means watch and learn for next time.. But ya life depends on your brakes functioning correctly. and you're posts don't inspire confidence in your ability to do the job well.

trax · May 18, 2013

payydg said:
Great thanks! Stupid question but what will be contaminating the break lines? Also, how much of the rear break lines should I replace?

Do I need to drain all the break fluid and replace and bleed the lot?

Dave

he didn't say brake lines.

redhand said:
if ya need to ask the above questions you don't want to touch your brakes.. Get someone who actually knowas what he's doing to sort them out. By all means watch and learn for next time.. But ya life depends on your brakes functioning correctly. and you're posts don't inspire confidence in your ability to do the job well.

Think this is for the best.

payydg · May 18, 2013

All very sensible advice - ill try and observe on this one and maybe have a stab when I'm a bit more experienced. Maybe if I watch someone fix the broken one I can replace the non- broken one.

Just for my own knowledge, what are the break linings and why do the have to be replaced?

Ta

Dave

Pikey · May 18, 2013

payydg said:
All very sensible advice - ill try and observe on this one and maybe have a stab when I'm a bit more experienced. Maybe if I watch someone fix the broken one I can replace the non- broken one.

Just for my own knowledge, what are the break linings and why do the have to be replaced?

Ta

Dave

Brake shoes. if the brake cylinder has sprung a leak inside the drum. they will be covered in brake fluid.

payydg · May 18, 2013

I see now. Thanks for all the info chaps

Litch · May 18, 2013

All the information you require about renewing wheel cylinders, brake linings, bleeding brakes etc is in the workshop manual (what do you mean you have't got one?).

Pikey · May 18, 2013

Litch said:
All the information you require about renewing wheel cylinders, brake linings, bleeding brakes etc is in the workshop manual (what do you mean you have't got one?).

Plenty of books on brain surgery and amputating Limbs. Still think I'd rather leave it to a skilled surgeon though..

payydg · May 18, 2013

Litch said:
All the information you require about renewing wheel cylinders, brake linings, bleeding brakes etc is in the workshop manual (what do you mean you have't got one?).

I'm doing my surgery rotations at the moment and I can tell you right now I'd rather ask my consultant how to do stuff than read a black and white anatomy atlas

payydg · May 18, 2013

Whilst I'm on the subject of asking stupid questions, are break linings the same as break pads and will I need both sides replaced?

flat · May 19, 2013

Seriously it's BRAKES, there is no such word as breaks.

OldIrishWulf · May 19, 2013

flat said:
Seriously it's BRAKES, there is no such word as breaks.

Bollox . If I whack you in the kneecap with a sledge hammer something breaks .

OldIrishWulf · May 19, 2013

but yeah it is brakes he's on about and spelling it right when he uses the search button might yield more enlightened/intelligent threads .

Pikey · May 19, 2013

payydg said:
Whilst I'm on the subject of asking stupid questions, are break linings the same as break pads and will I need both sides replaced?

Break pads for disc brake wheels. Brake shoes (linings), for drum brakes. & yes always replace both sides at the same time.

flat · May 19, 2013

OldIrishWulf said:
Bollox . If I whack you in the kneecap with a sledge hammer something breaks .

I meant in the context the OP was using there isn't such a word, obviously if you hit something hard enough it breaks, but if a car pulls out in front of you you don't hit the breaks.

payydg · May 19, 2013

Haha how embarisng - that's the old dyslexia (did I spell that right?) kicking in. Abuse well and truly deserved.

Oldirishwulf - I know my threads are as simple as you can get and probably illicit groans from all the experienced members but I'm just new, easily confused and keen to learn.

Redhand - thanks chap.

Litch · May 19, 2013

payydg said:
I'm doing my surgery rotations at the moment and I can tell you right now I'd rather ask my consultant how to do stuff than read a black and white anatomy atlas

Why devalue the importance of a workshop manual?
Workshop manuals (usually) written by qualified specialists with years of training & expereince.
Questions on forums answered by anyone who has access to a keyboard and an interest in the subject, some experienced, others less so.

A manual not only shows you how to tackle a task but also gives you the correct terminology. Handy for when you come across something you don't understand, you can ask a question safe in the knowledge that you are calling a squidget by the correct name and not the "thingy that connects to the doobry behind the pipe whotsit"! Saves confusion.

A manual also allows you to assess a task from the comfort of your armchair and make a decision of whether you want to tackle the task yourself, ask for assistance or pass it onto a specialist.

Breaks - help!

Well-Known Member

New Member

Pensioner Pete

Well-Known Member

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

.

Well-Known Member

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Similar threads