Brake Leak

[MSGia]

Good evening all, I just had all of my front suspension off to replace it, and while I had the spindle off (no tension in the brake line) it started leaking by the banjo bolts. But now that it’s back together, there is no more leak, but the fluid level is below minimum. Should I just add fluid and leave it or look into it?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Inspect the flex Ines carefully...

Retorque the banjo bolt... fill master and see where you are at with pedal feel.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'll add that if the master went empty... there will be air in the system.

If there was still fluid in the master... chances are that if you didn't pump the brake pedal... there will be zero air in the lines.

 

[MSGia]

Thanks for the help. There is still fluid, I haven’t used the brake pedal in about a month. The drivers side banjo bolt went totally loose. The passenger side was fine.

 

[Josh B]

What is a banjo bolt?

 

[Uncle Gump]

 

[Jazzer]

A new copper crush washer would be necessary here- if you replace it quickly and let it drip you shouldn’t get any air in the lines.

You’ll want to open the bleeder when done and let gravity push the air out of the caliper.

 

[MSGia]

Well… I got the truck started and the brake peda goes right to the floor. If I pump it for a bit it goes back to normal, but it will go back to the floor if I let it sit.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well... you're down to bleeding the system.

Ensure there are no current leaks. I suggest you also properly adjust the rear brakes. Rear brake adjustment is crucial to both pedal height and feel.

Start bleeding at the farthest point and work to closest. Simply gravity bleeding works well most of the time. Might even be a good idea to gravity bleed each wheel until fluid runs clear. Brake fluid does have a life expectancie... and should be changed.