Leaking brake fluid after brake change

bradjh · Post by **bradjh** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:10 am

Well i did all four discs brakes and replaced the rotors last night. When i pushed the caliper in with a clamp brake fluid came out of the driver side wheel well below the master cylinder. Did i mess someting up. i did not loosen the bleeder or any thing else. the pedal feels pretty tight. If i have some on hit the brakes while i loosen the bleeder screw will my pedal get tighter? where is the bleeder screw? Thankyou for all your help. Brad

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:35 am

You probably just forced fluid out of the resevoir when you collapsed the caliper pistons. Happens all the time if you add brake fluid between rotor or pad changes. Bleeder screws are on the backside of the caliper near the top. If your pedal is tight, then I doubt you have any air in the system...air in the system is indicated by a low/spongy pedal. You may not have to bleed them.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:20 pm

Rusty Shackleford wrote:You probably just forced fluid out of the resevoir when you collapsed the caliper pistons. Happens all the time if you add brake fluid between rotor or pad changes. Bleeder screws are on the backside of the caliper near the top. If your pedal is tight, then I doubt you have any air in the system...air in the system is indicated by a low/spongy pedal. You may not have to bleed them.

x2. Did it myself on one of my first brakejobs ever. I freaked out until I saw the top of the mastercylinder was covered. Youre alright

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:55 pm

Brake fluid is an excellent paint stripper though.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:14 pm

f9k9 wrote:Brake fluid is an excellent paint stripper though.

Long term yes, short term, no

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:18 pm

The chemistry may have altered in a major way in the last 3 decades. It was the easiest way to remove paint from bike's fuel tanks when I messed with them. Thanks for correcting me.

Rusty Shackleford · Post by **Rusty Shackleford** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:33 am

GM and ASE do still recommend immediate removal of brake fluid from painted surfaces..so yeah, hose out your engine bay.

Second thought, better wash the whole thing.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:29 pm

Im not sayin leave it on by any means, but quick exposure isnt gonna require a touchup