BRAKE FLUID LEAK - PLS ADVISE!!!

[mandyg723]

I have a '90 Q that has developed a nasty brake fluid leak recently. A few months ago, my brake light came on. I knew my pads were new so I checked the fluid. Sure enough it was a little low. I topped it back off. About 2 weeks later, the light came on again and I checked the fluid. Low again. This was becoming abnormal and I began keeping track of each time I topped it off. It started to just be a couple of days in between me topping it off and the light coming on.About 2 weeks ago, I stopped driving the car for fear of me losing brake power with no warning. I talked to my mechanic (whom is usually right on with many of my past problems) and he was thinking it was the ABS module. It seems to me though, that this is a mechanical problem- not an electrical one. I don't know where the fluid is going and I'll need to put it on jacks to see where she is leaking. Could this be an issue with the master cylinder?? Any input is appreciated.

[elwesso]

Usually when the master cylinders leak they leak right where they bolt to the brake booster. Im not sure about the ABS actuator but sometimes they do leak as well... It all depends where the fluid is. If we can confirm where fluid is coming from we'll be able to tell you what to fix.

WELCOME to NICO!!

[Q45tech]

Seals have a finite life by now 17 years, your braking system should have been totally rebuilt.............new master cylinder, ABS seals, caliper piston seals, and of course ALL wheel caliper flex lines!

We have never seen a vacuum booster fail YET, but leaks in the booster vacuum feed line and problems with check valve are common.

[mandyg723]

I am aware. My ultimate goal with this vehicle is to bring her completely up to par. She's a damn fine car and I love her dearly. Her medical expenses are just expensive sometimes.. Thanks very much for the info. I'll post what I find out in the near future.
Modified by mandyg723 at 9:21 AM 7/3/2007

[mandyg723]

yeah, and other than me losing like, several ounces of fluid every 3 days, there is no obvious sign of leakage. Everything is clean. It's ridiculous. Anyway, I am going to take a look underneath and have my b/f pump the brakes to see where the hell the leak is. Btw, ya'll rock and have really helped me out with several things in the past. ( I had to register again as a newbie cuz I forgot my p/w).

[xerexabante]

Check the carpet by the brake pedal. I am prrety sure it will be damp. If it is then there is your leak. See if you calippers are wet. See the inside rim as well.

[cccpman]

well its not too expensive to just get the lines checked, mine split and gradually got worse like yours seems to be doing. However it wasnt an expensive repair IIRC

[mxr662]

yeah, and other than me losing like, several ounces of fluid every 3 days, there is no obvious sign of leakage. Everything is clean.

My 90q was leaking when I bought it. Leaked from the back of the master cylinder, running down the booster, and blowing back along the frame. Soaked the underside of the car and took the paint off the frame.

Andy

[Q451990]

By ABS Module, your tech. may be talking about the ABS Actuator (a/k/a ABS Pump). It's located on the firewall on the right side of the engine bay... look for fluid near the cylinders.

Good luck!

Heath

[Q451990]

zerothread/260443

A recent related thread

[mandyg723]

Thanks for the clarification on that.. Turns out it is in fact the actuator-leaking like a s.o.b. it was right in front of me the whole time. Now it's just a matter of finding a decent used one with some good seals... Fun.

[mandyg723]

Found a good abs actuator... Replaced it, bled brakes. Done. Problem solved and great brake performance once again.

[Q451990]

I love a happy ending. Thanks for letting us know!

Heath

[maxnix]

Found a good abs actuator... Replaced it, bled brakes. Done. Problem solved and great brake performance once again.

Change your fluid regularly.

[mandyg723]

oh I will. Nothin but the good stuff. Thanks for the help.