Hi,
I just bought a 1970 442 from a reliable person who also is a restorer.
Just as I got it he was going over it one more time and put it on ramps to check under the car and notice a leak he said wasn't there before. He said it was brake fluid and had to come out of the reservoir. He said the incline of the ramp made it leak out and it needed a new gasket.

Is it possible for the gasket in the reservoir to go bad?
I have read a lot of threads trying to see if this had been asked before, but did not see it addressed.
The brakes seem to work fine. Not soft, hard or noticeable noises.

To say I'm a non-mechanic is an understatement, so if recommended to take it in, say so!
Thanks.

 

Ask him how he identified the leak and its origin. You can ask to have your own mechanic verify the info. But, it's a 40 year old car. What isn't leaking today will most likely be leaking tomorrow.

 

Unless the seal on the mastercylinder cover is bad, they generally don't leak there.

 

Hi,
I replaced the gasket and have had no leaks after I drove it a few city miles today. I will keep checking.

 

Had to replace mine and it was fine for about 3000 miles or so then the master slowly went bad. While at a stop light the car would creep forward and I had to press the pedal a little harder. Changed the master and no problems since. Cheerio

 

Hi All,
Still leaking.
After 15 miles or so I have used 1/2 bottle of fluid.
And it is missing from the first reservoir. The one nearest the front of the car.
Someone please explain the diff between the front and back reservoir.
I see fluid all around my front left wheel area, but can't find any around the master c or the booster or the lines in that area.
Any ideas?
BQ

 

It's either a hose, wheel cylinder or caliper, that's leaking at your wheel. The front portion of your master cylinder is for your front brakes and the rear is for your rear brakes.

 

Disk or drum brakes?

- Eric

 

Im having a similar problem. I put on a new booster and now I can see a very small slow trickle of brake fluid running down the front of the booster where the master cylinder mounts to it. That means it would be time to replace the master cylinder. Or get the rebuild kit. But that doesnt always work if there is some pitting in the bore of the cylinder . That means bleeding the brake lines and all.
On another note regarding brake fluid, IT STRIPS PAINT.
wipe it up!!! clean it up, get it off! get it off agian.
try this. touch brake fluid with your finger tip. Wash it off for 5 minutes under hot water. lick your finger. YUCK! now spit. dont swallow. (you might think its washed off, but it aint.)
I reccomend a drop cloth before you work on your brake cylinder.

 

First thing I would do is bring it back to the guy you bought it from and ask him to do it. In NY, if it was a dealer, they have to fix it if it's safety related and the car won't pass inspection.

Mine does it too. The master is probably bad. The seal in the rear of the master at the plunger leaks. I've already replaced mine once because the cap didn't seal properly and now I need to do it again. The good thing is a Master Cylinder is only like $25 to $75 ($75 for AC Delco). Before you replace it (if you do it yourself) read a couple threads on Bench Bleeding. This may not be your problem but if it's leaking down the face of the booster then I'd say there's a good chance. Look at every connection in the brake system. Look closely at the rears because you can't see a wheel cylinder leak with the drums on but you may see brake fluid on the inside of the rear tires. Assuming you have discs on the front, those are easier to see

 

He says it's leaking in the wheelwell, guys, not at the master (or so I interpret it).

- Eric

 

Again it's either a hose, wheel cylinder, or caliper leaking. The question also was what is the difference in the front and rear reservoir.

He has no leaks at the the master cylinder!

 

... And I ask again: Disk or drum?

A drum cylinder can pretty much weep out fluid for years, which will be absorbed by brake dust, and atomized onto the inner sidewalls of the tires, before there is any noticeable leakage at the wheel ("Why does that darn master keep going down?!? I've replaced it three times!").

- Eric

 

I reread it and I think you're right but I'd still bring it back & ask the guy to fix it. If he's a restorer he should back up a sale. A new caliper is only about $35 and easier to install than the master.

 

There are 3 things that cause the master cylinder level to drop, brake wear and/or a leak, and trapped air in a line that finally escapes back into the MC. The 3rd not very common with a proper bleeding, but I have seen it happen, usually with disc brakes.

 

X2

If the hoses are old, replace them even if they are not leaking. You can replace the calipers or cylinders with new or reman units, or buy rebuild kits for them.
And if one side is leaking, the other will be soon.
The worst part about the whole job is bleeding the brakes, so might as well do both sides and bleed only once.

 

Ok,
Let's get this out. I'm not a mechanic (as if you could not tell).
Disks in front for sure and I think drums in back.

I'm finding one area of leaking. Not on master c or booster or the lines i can reach around them. I have wiped them down many times and nothing.
I see fluid on inner fender liner, exhaust running by area, the spring/shock by wheel and on inside part of tire. I have inspected all other brake areas and see nothing.
I will repeat, the front reservoir is half way down after filling and the back reservoir is in same full position.
Thanks for help, keep it coming.

I have something worked out with orig owner. He is a good guy.

 

Bad caliper (or maybeeeee line or fitting).

Won't be hard for him to replace it.

- Eric

 

Ok, upon further review, I see by the front left tire, a metal line coming down then tying into a flexable line then into the caliper (I think. I can't see it so close to the wheel). The plastic line goes down, makes a u type loop, then up to caliper. That line is very wet with fluid. I can only assume this is the leak. I hope it is this simple!
I will find out in morning.

BQ

 

The it sounds like the hose is cracked and leaking. Do both sides if so.
Glad the PO has offered to help you out with the issue; it will not be too difficult of a fix.

 

It could be as simple as tightening the bolt that holds that hose to the caliper...hope it all gets worked out in the mawnin

 

Ok. I got it.
Pin hole leak in tube going to caliper.
I got it replaced and got under coating resprayed on places that were peeling.
I'm going to wear it out the next few days and make sure.
Thanks for all comments.
I know I will need more help from all of you.
BQ

 

Way to go!