Two weeks ago, my beloved Octy 1 VRS shouted at me one day via the dashboard. She told me that the brake fluid level was low.

 

"Funny" thinks I...."I always keep on top of the fluid levels..." so then the devil on my shoulder started taunting me that I had a leak somewhere...

 

I popped the bonnet, and had a look at all the brake lines, calipers, and clutch lines. I could see no moisture anywhere. So, I topped up the brake fluid reservior (which was only just below the full level) and carried on.

 

Today, she started shouting at me again, for the same problem. Clearly, a perfect brake and clutch fluid system would not use or lose this amount of fluid in two weeks from normal driving.

 

 

So....I have a leak somewhere, don't I? Another inspection today revealed that all four brake calipers are dry, as are all the lines under the car. Looking round on this wonderful forum of ours, it seems that that clutch slave cylinder is probably the culprit? However - a cursory inspection did not reveal any fluid or dampness around the unit, or indeed on the road underneath the car.

 

So what do you reckon? Can the slave cylinder leak but leak into the clutch bellhousing or something, so that there is no immediate evidence?

 

I would be very grateful for your thoughts and help please, as usual. Cheers guys and gals!

 

 

When we conduct a MOT test we always check the hydraulics for leaks whilst they are under pressure.  This involves having an assistant in the car with the engine running, operating the brake pedal.  I've found a few leaks this way, even on cars that have just been serviced.

 

It could be coming out the rear of the master cylinder into the servo and getting burnt by the engine, or it could be a leak in the clutch hydraulics.  The clutch shares the same reservoir, but it's take off is higher than the lowest part of the reservoir so a leak there won't completely empty it.

Ahhh, interesting comments, thanks so much for that!

 

Hmmm, sounds like it MIGHT have the potential to be a sticky one then - I think I will roll it down to a garage asap rather than try to diagose this all in the road outside my house?!

As long as you're methodical in your checking, you should find the leak.  Have a look in the engine bay (be careful of moving parts), have a good torch and follow the brake lines, check the master cylinder unions and follow the pipes to the ABS block.  You can always remove each wheel in turn and support safely on an axle stand and check the unions at the pipes, flexible hoses and the calipers.  There may be some pipe joins hidden under covers under the car, but the speed at which the fluid level reduces, I would expect to see some evidence.

 

If you don't feel confident, don't mess with brakes, get a garage to look at it.

 

We had a Fabia in for MOT a while back, brake fluid warning flashing and making a noise, low fluid, an obvious leak and the back seats filled with child seats - apparently (according to the owner) it had been like that for some time.

Mine sprung a leak last friday and it was a big one. Was the brake pipe that goes to the rear left. They go up over the fuel tank and it split just about were it joined the hose. Difficult to see unless someone pressed the pedal

Mine started leaking from the flared end of the pipe where it goes into the slave cylinder.  Initially I thought it was the slave so replaced that before spotting a tiny split in the pipe.  I only knew I had a leak when the gf drove the car and sat with her foot on the clutch at junctions.      It was impossible to see the leak from above, but under the car I could see the dampness on the undertray.

Once again, I am eternally grateful for everyone's help and advice. Group hug!

 

I did as advised, got the car jacked up and went methodically through the systems.

 

It was a bit of a swine to find, this one...possibly not helped by the fact that I had driven the car in heavy rain, so any fluid leaking had been washed away.

 

I FINALLY found the leak, after getting in the car, starting the engine and leaning heavily on the brake pedal for 30 seconds. Fluid was weeping from the seal behind the handbrake mechanism, on one of the rear calipers. The little bugger

 

So seeing as my calipers had been moo-ing a bit more lately, and the discs were a bit worn, I have bought a complete refresh kit from Ebay. It's from a chap who has a massive score, and really good feedback. He also offers a 3 year warranty on the parts.

 

I'm getting two brand new TRW calipers in green (so I don't have to send the old ones back or pay a surchrge) plus two new discs, a set of pads, and new fixings. Total price £140 delivered. That's not bad is it?

 

Link here for anyone else interested: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271624209965?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

 

Cheers!!!

I flogged my old calipers on ebay also mentioning they would suit a refurb!

I flogged my old calipers on ebay also mentioning they would suit a refurb!

 

I like this idea, thanks Did you get much for them?

Im sure it was 30 or 40 quid. bonus!

It's good to hear that you've got it sorted.

I bought that same kit ray but one of the handbrake mechanisms has gone funny. I'm glad you said he other 3 years warranty im going to message him.

Glad it's sorted!

Clearly something in the air at the moment. I've got a pair of those exact calipers from that seller sat waiting to fit at the weekend due to a caliper seizure [emoji1] third time it's been freed now so biting the bullet and replacing both rears as preventative maintenance.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hopefully having a hard copy of the Haynes manual helped.  Next job will be ICE!  Let me know if you need the instructions or anything, I think I've still got the box in the loft. 

Hopefully having a hard copy of the Haynes manual helped.  Next job will be ICE!  Let me know if you need the instructions or anything, I think I've still got the box in the loft. 

 

Hello matey! Yes it did, thanks for passing that on to me. I read through the brakes part before starting, it did help. Interesting to see that section had the most grubby fingerprints on it already

 

I'll sort that sub out soon. Hopefully I'll go ok without the destructions, but if I make a pig's ear of it I will be calling you!

 

Great to meet you the other day. Do you go on any club runs or anything?