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losing brake fluid

Old Jun 4, 2013 | 07:00 AM
  #1  
Beachbum1's Avatar
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From: Bradenton, Florida
losing brake fluid

I'm noticing that my brake fluid is low and have added fluid. I have checked all 4 wheels and no leaks, no leaks on garage floor any ideas where else to check? I pulled all 4 tires and thoroughly checked each cylinder, nothing. any suggestions?

Thanks
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 07:06 AM
  #2  
843de's Avatar
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Do you have a five speed by any chance?

A leaking clutch slave cylinder will cause fluid to vanish into the bell housing, long before you'll see a puddle on the floor.

Another place where fluid can go is from the master cylinder leaking into the vacuum brake booster, that fluid eventually goes out the tailpipe.
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 08:02 AM
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If your brake pads are worn out, the fluid level will appear low(unless someone topped the fluid off)
Did you just happen to notice this and decided to add fluid? If so, it could be as simple as worn pads.
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 03:50 PM
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actually, it was when I recently replaced the pads and shoes, was expecting the cylinder to be full and it was actually fairly low, I am filling it now and will recheck every few days for any change.

in response to "843de" tranny is a automatic , I will try to determine if it is in any way related to the master cyl.
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 04:21 PM
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Beachbum. Mike was asking about a 5 speed because on those, the clutch master cylinder and the brake master cylinder, share the same fluid reservoir.
Since yours is a automatic, the reservoir is only for the brake system.
Let us know what you find.
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 04:55 PM
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And firemangeorge was saying that brake fluid goes into the brake cylinders to take up the space left when the pistons move out to compensate for wear. The brake fluid level is where you should be checking your pad wear at, never top it off.
Old Jun 4, 2013 | 10:46 PM
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is the brake pedal soft???
Old Jun 5, 2013 | 07:54 AM
  #8  
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the brake pedal is solid when pushed, rear shoes are adjusted up good so the emerg brake gives only a couple of clicks when pulled, rechecked the front pads, no abnormal wear and have good contact with the rotors, so far a mystery, will advise what I find
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 09:17 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by 843de
Do you have a five speed by any chance?

A leaking clutch slave cylinder will cause fluid to vanish into the bell housing, long before you'll see a puddle on the floor.

Another place where fluid can go is from the master cylinder leaking into the vacuum brake booster, that fluid eventually goes out the tailpipe.

My 08 SS is losing fluid from the reservoir but I don't have any stains on the ground, wet bleeders, or abnormal pad wear.

Can anyone provide detail on how to check the brake booster? I am not ready to pull the trans apart to look at the slave cylinder
Old Dec 27, 2013 | 01:25 PM
  #10  
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I guess you could disconnect the vac hose and somehow inspect the can and the hose.

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