Disc brakes are increasingly being used in modern cars and other small and medium vehicles. Because disc brakes are more effective than older technology and can slow or stop a car or other vehicle suddenly at high speed.
There are many different parts used in a disc brake system. Such as the rotor, fluid pressure cylinder, brake pad, caliper, and brake fluid.
Brake fluid is the main fluid in the braking system of modern cars and other vehicles. But many times, the brake fluid in our vehicle starts leaking. This has a very bad effect on the braking system of the vehicle. Sometimes the entire braking system fails.
In this post, we will discuss in detail the symptoms and causes of brake fluid leaking. So that you do not have to face any problems related to the brake fluid of the vehicle.
What Is A Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a thick liquid used in the hydraulic braking system of vehicles. which works to create hydraulic pressure by using fluid to operate the components used in the braking system of the vehicle, due to which the piston of the caliper used in the brake assembly is pressed through the hydraulic pressure of the fluid.
Brake fluid can be different colors. But their functions and structures are the same. However, the grade number of brake fluid may vary. These grade numbers indicate the thickness of the brake fluid.
Symptoms Of A Brake Fluid Leak
Symptoms of a brake fluid leak are soft brake pedals, brake pedals going to the floor, low brake fluid level, brake warning light, poor brake performance, brake fluid odor, and brake fluid contamination.
1. Brake Light Illuminated In Cluster Meter
Modern cars and vehicles have a warning light in the cluster meter for the braking system. This light illuminates when the head brake is applied.
But this braking warning light starts glowing continuously even when there is a low level of brake fluid in the fluid reservoir tank due to leakage of brake fluid or when the brake warning light starts blinging in the cluster meter.
So in case of continuous illumination of brake warning light in the cluster meter of your vehicle, check the hand brake of your vehicle or also check the brake fluid leakage and fluid level.
2. Brake Pedal Going To The Floor
Many times, due to the leakage of fluid in the hydraulic braking system of cars or other vehicles, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake pedal goes down to the floor. On pressing the brake pedal, the master cylinder sends the pressure of the fluid through the pipeline to the piston of the caliper.
But the fluid starts leaking from the pipeline or the fluid starts leaking from the caliper. Due to which the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid starts breaking and the brake pedal starts sinking towards the floor.
3. Reduced Brake Performance
Mild leakage of fluid from any part of the vehicle’s braking system results in reduced braking power for the vehicle. Because of the leakage of brake fluid, the fluid pressure is not able to press the piston of the brake caliper with full force.
Due to this, the brake pads do not get full grip on the rotor when braking. Due to which you experience less performance of brake system during high speed of the vehicle.
4. Vehicle Pulling To One Side During Braking
The brake system is located on each individual wheel of the vehicle. such as calipers, rotors, and disc brake pads.
The fluid is piped from the brake master cylinder to the individual brake assembly of each wheel. But sometimes brake fluid starts leaking from the brake assembly of one side wheel.
Due to this, the brakes on the wheel on the side with fluid leakage do not apply when the brake pedal is pressed. And opposite to that the brake props of the other side are working.
So in this situation, when the brake is applied during the high speed of the vehicle, the vehicle starts moving to one side. However, this type of symptom can also be caused by bad brake pads, bad calipers, or bad rotors.
5. Brake Fluid Leaking Inside Wheel
The braking system unit of any wheel in a vehicle will leak fluid. Then, after driving the vehicle for some time, you may see a drip or flow of brake fluid leaking down to the inner side of the wheel when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Or you can see drops of brake fluid dripping onto the ground below from a parked vehicle. This symptom is the most common symptom of brake fluid leakage. Therefore, on seeing such a symptom, immediately show your vehicle to a professional vehicle mechanic.
Possible Causes Of Brake Fluid leaks
Causes of leaking brake fluid in vehicles include damage brake master cylinders, damaged brake fluid lines, damaged brake calipers, worn wheel cylinders, worn brake hoses, damaged brake bleeder screws, and other fluid brake components that are failing.
1. Brake Master Cylinder Leaking
The brake master cylinder transfers brake fluid under hydraulic pressure through a pipeline to the wheel’s brake calipers when the brake pedal is depressed, which is how the hydraulic braking system works.
But sometimes brake fluid starts leaking from the brake master cylinder. Therefore, a leaking master cylinder is also a reason for brake fluid leakage.
2. Damaged Brake Fluid Pipe Line
In the hydraulic braking system of vehicles, brake fluid is sent under pressure by the brake master cylinder to the brake caliper through the fluid pipeline, which is how the hydraulic braking system is operated.
But sometimes the brake fluid pipeline gets cracked for any reason or the joint connectors at the ends of the fluid pipeline get damaged. Due to which brake fluid starts leaking.
3. Brake Fluid Leaking From Calipers
In the hydraulic braking system of vehicles, when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake master cylinder sends fluid under high pressure to the brake caliper, due to which the piston of the brake caliper is pressed and the brake disc pads squeeze onto the brake rotor.
But sometimes the piston valves and rings of the brake caliper wear out. Due to which brake fluid starts leaking when brake pedal is pressed from the piston of brake caliper. You may notice a brake fluid leak as a drip on the brake caliper or on the inside of the wheel.
How To Fix Leaking Brake Fluid?
To fix a brake fluid leak, you must first investigate the cause of the leak. such as
- First, check the brake master cylinder. If there is a brake fluid leak at the brake master cylinder, replace the brake master cylinder with a new one.
- Check the fluid pipe line and joint connector. If brake fluid is leaking from the fluid pipeline or any joint connector, replace the fluid pipeline or joint connector as well.
- Also check brake calipers. If you notice brake fluid leakage on the brake caliper of the vehicle or on the inner side of the wheel, then you should replace the brake caliper with a new one.
- Check the hydraulic cylinder of the brake drum on the rear wheel. If brake fluid leaks, the brake drum cylinder will need to be replaced.
Brake Fluid Leak Repair Cost
The average repair cost for a brake fluid leak in a typical vehicle can range from $120 to over $350. However, in some cases of brake fluid leaks, this can be a costly job.
The cost of repairing a brake fluid leak in a vehicle depends on the cost of the parts for the damaged brake assembly and the labor cost of the mechanic.
But if you have to pay an amount up to a thousand dollars for the replacement of any part, Because the chain of reasons for leaking brake fluid can be longer.
FAQ’s
Q. – Can you drive with a brake fluid leak?
A. – No, ignoring brake fluid leakage and driving the vehicle is not safe in any way for the driver, the vehicle or others.
Because leaking brake fluid can cause braking system failure of your vehicle at any point of time during high speed and can cause an accident at any time.
Q. – How much does it cost to fix a brake fluid leak?
A. – The cost of repairing a brake fluid leak in a vehicle depends on the cost of the damaged parts of the braking system and the labor cost of the mechanic.
Generally speaking, the cost of repairing brake fluid leaks on common cars can be expected to average between $150 and $350 for a mechanic’s labor. However, at times these costs can be high as well.
Short Summary
Causes & Symptoms of Brake Fluid Leakage
Reasons for leaking brake fluid in vehicles include leaking brake master cylinders, damaged brake fluid lines, damaged brake calipers, worn wheel cylinders, worn brake hoses, damaged brake bleeder screws, and other fluid brake components that are failing.
Symptoms of a brake fluid leak are soft brake pedals, brake pedals going to the floor, low brake fluid level, brake warning light, poor brake performance, brake fluid odor, and brake fluid contamination.
Banty is the owner of Autorepairszone.com & is also a vehicle mechanic by profession. We have almost 12 years of experience in the field of automotive repair, and we strive to provide you with accurate information about vehicle malfunctions and repairs based on our experience.