Hi all,

I have a small fluid leak from my RNS caliper. Its coming from the junction where the brake hose connects to the caliper on top by a rectangle washer and hollow screw. Its oozing out between the washer and caliper. Is the repair for this to replace the brake hose unit (washer & screw as one)? Or is the fault likely to lie with the caliper? There's no fluid coming from bleed valve, handbrake connection, or (as far as I can see without removing wheel) piston. Its not caused enough loss to drop the brake fluid level noticeably.

The brake hose unit with screw and washer is part number 6R0611763C to show what I mean. Its on the workshop manual too (#14) with sizes for flare nut spanners. If I need to replace this part, is there anything I need to know or be wary of in advance changing it myself?

Many thanks!

You can just replace the sealing washers. They are alloy and corrode over time. From memory they are 16mm with a 12mm hole

Oh and if your going to clamp a hose don't clamp the thinner one going to the caliper clamp the one at the front of the axle. I prefer to seal the resiviour with a latex glove tho

Have you had a replacement caliper there recently?

 

There's meant to be a sealing washer either side of the big rectangular bit; one under the head of the banjo bolt, one between the rectangular lump and the body of the caliper. Check their condition and replace if necessary.

 

Brill, thanks. Was hoping it might just a corroded washer. Indeed will go with the latex glove over the reservoir trick, appreciate the clamping advice too. So I should be able to pick up just a new washer at motor spares shop? (And hope for a long enough gap in the rain...)

Wino, thanks for the photo, really helpful. Those seals are quite thick, they should be noticeable and I cant see one on the caliper side.

I'm not 100% sure where you'll find a sealing washer, a good motor factors should be able to help.  Outer diameter can probably be measured with verniers off the existing one under the bolthead.  Mustn't be too big on the OD, as the 'under' one fits in a machined recess on the caliper, which may explain why you can't see much of it?  If it's been left behind on the old caliper during a change, that would explain the leak.

Edited 30 June, 201610 yr by Wino

Shouldn't really clamp any brake flexi as it damages the braiding.

Caliper hasnt been changed, but I was judt looking up the sealing washers and read that original would be aluminium. Car spent last year in salty Brighton, which has already caused me probs, guessing its still paying the price of its seaside hiatus!

I'll measure and toddle off to spares shop. Theyre used to my puzzles, other vehicle is a '86 Talbot, thats often a back'n'forth job tracking down correct parts. Thanks!

You will be lucky to get them local i had the same problem. This is what you need.

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331429723879

Says for octavia but they fit fine. Give the caliper housing a good wire brush where the banjo bolts go in to make sure you get a good seal.

Borrowing a part number from that listing, you can find just the washers at this one : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-x-M12-ALLOY-CRUSH-WASHERS-BRAKE-CALIPER-HOSE-WASHERS-NOT-COPPER-BBF3226X12A-/231515689900?hash=item35e76913ac:g:3S8AAOSwa-dWjP7j