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Going after a brake leak, wish me luck!

shima

shima

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Trying to get after a brake leak today, for the first time. I've been spending the morning watching brake leak videos on YouTube and looking at disc brake diagrams. I hope to figure out where the hell the leak is coming from. Wish me luck.

Last night, I had a buddy help me out by pressing on the brakes while I filmed. The video doesn't help much really, but I linked it below if anyone wants to see. You will see me point to the area that I think it is coming from (vague as hell), and then see the fluid start to drip down.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XrPMpCALxeoMJGXh1
 
I would imagine that banjo but is your problem, looking at the caliper looks like it's been leaking for some time.
 
A can of brake cleaner. Spray all of that old grease and gunk off. Wipe clean and dry. Repeat the "buddy on the brakes while you look test".

I have my bet is on the banjo bolt or the copper crush washers...
 
Was this your Birthday present to yourself, eating brake cleaner?
 
Thanks guys!

I didn't actually make much progress today on the brake leak because I was trying to finish up my steering box brace install. Ended up stripping something and fought with that for a while until I called it a day. :doah:
 
Shot that thing with brake cleaner and repeated the test, found the source of the leak. Shot a couple of photos: https://imgur.com/a/L4adl
  • Red circle is the area that fluid was leaking from.
  • Green circle is what I think is the banjo bolt and crush washer (is this correct?)
I started unscrewing the bolt circled in green, and then realized that I didn't have any brake fluid on hand... and my master cylinder is getting a little low. :eek1: Gonna run to the parts store and pick some up!
 
there is a copper washer on both sides of the hose fitting . so 1 on the bolt head and then hose then caliper body .
 
@sweetk30 do you think AutoZone will have replacement washers? I'm heading there for brake cleaner anyhow
 
Got the replacement banjo and two washers. Tried wiping everything clean. Sprayed brake cleaner on everything and wiped it up with a rag prior to install. Torqued the banjo to 22 ft. lbs. When I started up my truck, the brake pedal felt way too soft. I popped the hood to check the master cylinder and there was brake fluid all over the engine bay. Guess I overfilled it. :doah:

This pic was taken after I wiped everything off quickly with a towel: https://i.imgur.com/p7L3qaG.jpg

D'oh!!
p7L3qaG
 
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Also, there was a small pool of brake fluid beneath the new banjo. I tightened it just a little more.
 
Hooooooo-eeeeee I must have goofed something up. Had my girlfriend start the truck up and hit the brakes while I watched the master cylinder. She hit them lightly and everything was fine, then she slammed on 'em and brake fluid shot out the top like a geyser!
 
@Kain thanks, I didn't realize - was hoping to swap out the banjo and washers and call it good. I want to drive this thing now that my steering brace is installed!

Oh well, bleeding was on my list anyhow. I'll tackle that next.
 
shima said:
@Kain thanks, I didn't realize - was hoping to swap out the banjo and washers and call it good. I want to drive this thing now that my steering brace is installed!

Oh well, bleeding was on my list anyhow. I'll tackle that next.
Click to expand...
Bleed fronts and backs. I usually go until you no longer get air bubbles, plus one more round
 
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