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Home » Automotive Blog » How to Identify and Fix a Brake Fluid Leak?

How to Identify and Fix a Brake Fluid Leak?

  • 5 min read
Break Fluid Leak Blog Feature Image
Removing brake fluid dripping is crucial if you don’t want to compromise your car’s performance and overall value. Diagnosing the fluid leak in the brake is one of the hardest things to do, but you can still do it if you know its causes and symptoms.

We’ll explore all signs, causes, and symptoms of car brake fluid leaks to guide you in overcoming this problem without any stress. So, continue reading to delve into further details:

What is a Brake Fluid Leak?

As we all know, a car’s brakes also play a vital role in the overall hydraulic system. So, if you want the hydraulic system to work correctly and efficiently, you cannot neglect this part. Brake fluid helps the brakes push the pressure to squeeze the brake pads onto the brake rotors.

Brake fluid is stored in the reservoir in cars. However, different types of brake fluid exist based on their consistency at various temperature levels. You can use the same brake fluid in different cars based on engine specifications and manufacturer details.

Using the wrong kind of brake fluid can also cause a brake fluid leak. As mentioned earlier, the fluid’s colourless texture makes identifying leaks difficult. However, you can diagnose them by checking the consistency of the brake fluid.

Ways to Identify Car Brake Fluid Leak

Before identifying the brake fluid dripping, you must understand the reasons behind this leakage. Here are a few primary reasons behind brake fluid leaking from the front driver side or any other side:

Brake Lines Corrosion

Damaged or corrosion brake lines are one of the leading reasons behind car brake fluid leaks. If your car’s brake lines are damaged or rusted, the fluid won’t be able to reach them without dripping or leakage.

Broken Caliper Seal

The heat generated by the brakes damages and breaks down the calliper seal. Once the calliper seal has been damaged, it indeed becomes a cause of brake fluid leak from the other or driver’s side.

ABS Faults

If you are used to braking your car while overspeeding, it might cause excessive pressure on your car’s brakes and damage the ABS. If your car's ABS has faults because of unusual braking or any other reason, the chances of brake fluid leakage will be higher than usual.

Leaky Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is an essential and foremost component of the car brake system. When you pressure the brake pads, a piston in the master cylinder is the first component to deliver the fluid to the brakes. If there is wear and tear in the master cylinder because of overuse or any other reason, the brake fluid will start dripping.

How to Fix Car Brake Fluid Leak?

Once you have identified the reasons and symptoms of a car brake fluid leak, it’s time to fix it as soon as possible. Don’t worry; you don’t need a technician to resolve this issue initially. However, in significant cases, you may need professional assistance. Keep in mind that dealing with brake fluid is hazardous. So, you have to fix brake fluid issues carefully:

Check the Fluid Level in Brakes

Measuring or checking the brake fluid level is one of the most popular techniques for identifying leaks. If the fluid level in your car’s brakes is lower than usual, it’s time to fix this issue. If the brake fluid level is low, simply refill it yourself or with the help of a professional.

Inspect Brake Components

If your car has covered more than 10k miles, it’s time to inspect your brake components. This is crucial not only for detecting a brake fluid leak but also for inspecting any wear and tear on the brake pads or rotors. If you suspect any sign of wear and tear to any component of your car’s brake, ensure to replace or repair those parts immediately.

Timely brake service and Maintenance

Even if your car brakes are in good condition, you must still service them for maintenance. You can reduce the chances of car brake fluid dripping if your vehicle is well-maintained and serviced. You may also need to replace car brake fluid properly every two years, especially if you have driven more than 10k miles. If your car is in optimal condition, the chances of a fluid leak will be minimal.

What is the Brake Fluid Leak Fix Cost?

The cost to fix a brake fluid leak entirely depends on the condition of your brakes and the level of wear and tear. However, the fixing cost will be less than replacing brakes or brake pads. On average, the cost to fix a brake fluid leak is around £50 – £70.
Break Fluid Leak Blog Image

Can I Fix Leaking Brake Lines?

Yes, you can! You must replace your old brake lines with new tube piping, especially if the wear and tear is significant. Replacing brake lines is a daunting task, so you may need to hire a professional technician to do the job efficiently.

Is it Safe to Drive with a Leaky Brake Fluid?

Even though it is possible to drive a car with a leaky brake fluid, professionals still don’t recommend it because of some safety considerations. If you are doing so, it might cause damage to other parts of your ABS or brake pads. So, try to fix brake fluid dripping as soon as possible.

Final Words

Leaky brake fluid can damage your vehicle or compromise your safety. It is suggested that you fix this issue immediately to prevent further loss or expenses. Before fixing the brake fluid leaks, understanding the reasons and causes behind this issue is the foremost thing to consider.

You can minimise the chances of car brake fluid dripping or leakage with timely maintenance and upkeep of your cars. Lastly, be sure to fix brake fluid issues with the help of a professional technician or garage rather than doing it yourself.

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