Brake fluid leakage is a car owner's worst nightmare. It indicates damage within the brake system, which must be fixed immediately. However, sometimes it can be difficult to notice fluid leakage and the reason behind it.
The most common reasons for brake fluid leaking from caliper bolt may be due to worn seals or faults within the brake system, bleeder valves, or master cylinder.
Stick to the end of the article to know when your brake oil is leaking and how to fix it.
Causes of Brake Fluid Leaking from Caliper Bolt
The caliper bolt may spill brake fluid for several reasons. Reasons behind the leakage may include the following-
● Damaged Brake System
Any opening or hole in the brake lines made due to damage can leak brake fluid. Additionally, worn-out brake pads, worn seals, and loosely fitted lines can cause caliper rupture, ultimately leading the brake to stop working.
● Defective Master Cylinder
As the master cylinder is made of plastic, it gets disfigured due to prolonged heat exposure. At one point, it'll crack, and the master cylinder gasket will leak brake oil at the back of the engine.
● Unfitting Bleeder Valves
Bleeder valves connect all the components of the caliper, and it mainly removes the extra fluid from the brake system. However, brake fluid spills out if the valves aren't tightened properly.
● Damaged Piston Seal
The master cylinder, disc brake caliper, and drum brake wheel are all connected and function through a common piston. Brake lubricant powers and rotates the piston. Usually, there's a seal on the piston to contain the fluid. With time, the seal wears out, causing leakage.
Signs of Leaking Brake Fluid
If your vehicle shows any of the following signs, the brake fluid is likely leaking, and you should take a closer look at the caliper bolt.
● Fluid Puddle under Wheels
The most common sign of leakage is the formation of fluid spill under the car, near the wheels. However, it could be transmission fluid or a regular oil spill. So, examine it to make sure. Brake fluids usually have a fishy smell and give off a yellowish-brown color.
● Brake Warning Light Activated
A warning light for brake calipers is located in the instrument cluster under the hood. Any leaks in the brake system will trigger the light on. Get your engine checked immediately.
● Low Brake Fluids
Due to leakage, the brake fluid levels will drop drastically. You can inspect fluid levels in the reservoir compartment.
● Faulty Brake Execution
The brake performance will be unsatisfactory if most of the brake fluid is spilled. The brake pedal feels soft and mushy and doesn't operate timely. Try to identify and fix the leakage as soon as possible to avoid accidents.
How to Fix Brake Caliper from Leaking?
As the source of brake fluids is different, separate measures have to be taken for each.
● Rebuilding Brake Calipers
Follow these steps to remove and replace the caliper.
1. Using a wrench, unscrew the brake bleeder bolt.
2. Remove the rubber brake line if they've been worn out.
3. Pull off the brake pads, springs, and pins attached to the caliper.
4. To remove the piston, blow low compressed air into the inlet port.
5. Remove the old piston, and in its place, put in a new, lubricated piston.
6. With an air pump, pull the excess air out of the brake system.
● Replacing the Brake Lines
To replace the brake lines, do the following-
1. Remove the tire over which the leaky brake line is located.
2. Unscrew the brake line closest to the master cylinder. Remove all the clips and screws, keeping the tube in place.
3. Using a wrench, detach the brake line from the caliper.
4. Connect the new brake line to the caliper.
5. Reattach all the screws and clips and tighten the new brake line.
● Master Cylinder Replacement
Replacing the master cylinder is a tricky process, so read these guidelines carefully-
1. Disconnect all electrical connections to the master cylinder.
2. Locate the cylinder under the hood and undo the brake fluid reservoir cap.
3. Using a bulb baster, draw out the fluid from the reservoir.
4. Detach the brake lines and remove the mounting bolts. Take out the master cylinder.
5. Replace the old cylinder with the new one and redo the above steps to mount it in place
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Brake Caliper Leak?
Repairing brake fluid leakages can be expensive, and it depends on the degree of damage done. Typically, $300 to $750 are charged for brake caliper leak repairs, but brake line repair costs between $150 and $200. The price varies on location, but more importantly, the severity of the leakage.
Can I drive With a Brake Fluid Leak?
Driving with leaky brake lines is possible, but you should avoid it. Brake fluid leakage leads to brake malfunctions which can result in accidents. So, it's better not to drive a leaky vehicle and get it fixed as fast as possible.
FAQs
● Where does brake fluid usually leak from?
Break lines are the usual sources of fluid leakage as they are directly attached to the master cylinder or fluid gasket.
● How long do calipers last?
Disc calipers are highly resistant and can last between the 75,000 to 100,000 miles, in other words, 10 years. However, the estimate differs depending on the mile usage.
● What happens if you run out of brake fluid
In most vehicles, brake liquid controls the brake system. So, the absence of liquid poses a risk of complete failure of brakes, which can result in accidents.
Final Words
Brake oil is an essential functional liquid of a vehicle, even though its spill signs are hard to detect. Hopefully, with this article, you’ll get a better insight about your brake fluid leaking from caliper bolt, its symptoms, and how to fix the problem.
