Got a low brake fluid warning a few days ago. A bit surprised but then again I haven't topped it up for years and I know all the pads are approaching wear limits. So I added some to take it up to about 1/2 level (so it wouldn't be too full when I fitted new pads etc) and had a 450 mile drive down to the Midlands with no problems. But the next morning, low brake fluid again. Oh dear, definitely a leak, albeit a slow one. Some signs of dampness at the rear offside suspension area so I'm guessing a brake pipe has corroded through. I am 450 miles from home and away from all the service information I printed out from ERWIN, so intend to see if I can get it fixed tomorrow at some local garage (Tamworth). Does anyone know if that will be a difficult job, eg does the brake pipe route over and thus hidden by the fuel tank? Being a 4x4 will that be a big deal with the transmission in the way etc? The car definitely knows I am going to sell it at the end of the year, and it's sulking! That plus its just topped 100,000 miles.

It could be a leak from the clutch, have a look around the the master and slave cylinders if the latter is the external one, or at the weep hole under the bellhousing if the concentric one.

 

If its the clutch and not brakes then you can probably live with it for the journey home with topping up when necessary, if its a motorway journey then the level will not fall.

16 minutes ago, J.R. said:

It could be a leak from the clutch, have a look around the the master and slave cylinders if the latter is the external one, or at the weep hole under the bellhousing if the concentric one.

 

If its the clutch and not brakes then you can probably live with it for the journey home with topping up when necessary, if its a motorway journey then the level will not fall.

DSG box so no clutch! I did have a good look around the bottom of the reservoir and the ABS unit but no sign of a leak. However there is slight sign of leak at rear rh suspension area (inboard of the actual brake callipers/ flexi pipe) so I’m pretty sure the leak is there.

Clamp off the flexible pipe to the rear crossmember.

Took it to a tiny one man band garage in Tamworth today. He said “really busy, I won’t be able to look at it today”. I said “we don’t need to drive back until Friday.., “ he said “OK leave it with me and I’ll try to fit it in.” Fair enough.

 

But 17:30 I get a call “All done, ready for collection”. The damage being £130 which was not too bad under the circumstances. Yes a solid brake pipe corroded through at rear offside. Presumably not too hidden by the fuel tank/transmission.

Bit concerning given the age of the car?

 

Appreciate you're in Aberdeen.  What is the rest of the car like underneath?

12 hours ago, MrRich said:

Bit concerning given the age of the car?

 

Appreciate you're in Aberdeen.  What is the rest of the car like underneath?

it’s generally not too bad. The brake pipe was corroded at a clip - probably the clip was trapping some salty road debris. The mechanic didn’t seem too surprised about it. In the past I have always bought cars a few years old that have lived in England in their early lives. This one I bought at 9 months old was born and bred in Scotland. A lot of my driving is on A939 which seems to spend 1/2 the year with grit and salt on it!

At least your sorted and back on the road safely.  

Hi,

I know UK / Ireland are islands and thus never far from sea, but quite surprised to read these corrosion issues. 

Especially, rear brake discs. Never read any topic about that on french Skoda forums... 

 

Happy for you if you had the problem solved quickly. Issue about brakes could lead to a very bad end...