vacuum pump leaking fluid?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
^^^^^^ And do it NOW. That's the sort of "minor" leak that can become a catastrophic failure all at once. Happened to me with an old Dodge. Fortunately it was in a parking lot. The last "good" press of the brakes just before that was at a traffic light, right behind a Madison Police squad car. So it could have been a Very Bad Day. Also, if/when it does become major, it almost certainly dumps brake fluid on the shoes, which sods and ruins them. So if money's tight, do it now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
How long is a piece of string?
No one can say "what needs to be replaced". Could be one wheel cylinder, could be all your brake lines. FIND the leak, then report back. Brake fluid does NOT disappear.
No one can say "what needs to be replaced". Could be one wheel cylinder, could be all your brake lines. FIND the leak, then report back. Brake fluid does NOT disappear.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
There was a leak on the pass side front. I came out one morning and there was a little pool the size of your fist but I never seen it again. I've also replaced everything in the rear brake assembly like 3 times a couple years ago because I had a problem with my e-brake cable being stretches and not fully disengaging... I would have to check the back and take the wheels off but I think most is coming from the front wheel? Is there a cylinder in the front like ther is in the back?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Completely different design. Front disc brakes have a caliper with a large piston built in. Leak could be at that piston, or the flex line leading up to the caliper. Best thing to do would be to put that corner up on good jack stands, remove the wheel and observe carefully while an assistant works the pedal.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
Ok that's what I thought. I figured it would have to be either the calipers or the lines somewhere. I will check it out when I get a chance and update. I would have my money on the lines though because I replaced the front calipers a couple years ago.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Likes: 0
Just wanted to follow up now that I have a chance. The vacuum pump had been replaced and the drip is gone. Very weird... the split rings and bearings on behind the pulley were still in tact, but there was definitely grease/oil leaking out of it. As for the break fluid thing, it was the wheel cylinder slightly wet around the pistons. side note, the rear axle seal seems to be leaking on the other wheel. I have never done an axle seal, and was wondering if anyone has any advice about doing those, and I am assuming that that also means new bearings as well? And for the guy that has the break fluid leak on front wheel, check the small block the brake line from the caliper goes to, one line comes from the master cylinder, and I believe the other goes to the passenger side, I have seen that leak before, and I have also seen the brake line swell and crack from old age. Just a thought....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
I will check that block you're talking about. I'm going to also take the wheels off the check all the calipers. Lastly ill check the master cylinder. In the event I need to replace a break line, does anyone have a suggestion on the BEST kind to get?
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
Just wanted to follow up now that I have a chance. The vacuum pump had been replaced and the drip is gone. Very weird... the split rings and bearings on behind the pulley were still in tact, but there was definitely grease/oil leaking out of it. As for the break fluid thing, it was the wheel cylinder slightly wet around the pistons. side note, the rear axle seal seems to be leaking on the other wheel. I have never done an axle seal, and was wondering if anyone has any advice about doing those, and I am assuming that that also means new bearings as well? And for the guy that has the break fluid leak on front wheel, check the small block the brake line from the caliper goes to, one line comes from the master cylinder, and I believe the other goes to the passenger side, I have seen that leak before, and I have also seen the brake line swell and crack from old age. Just a thought....
1996 Bronco-F-Series Workshop Manual
That manual has step by step instructions.
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