Brake Fluid Res

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Feb 8, 2005 | 11:03 AM

MARZ06

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Brake Fluid Res

You know how the brake fluid reservoir always gets dirty....well i have that same soot on the rear axel (left side). Is that normal, or is it leaking? Never have any drops on the ground and never noticed it before....

Thanks

MR

Feb 8, 2005 | 11:14 AM

texan2004

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From: Friendswood, Texas

Mine was doing the same thing. Just some dirt on top but njo identifiable leak and no fluid ever hit the ground. When I went underneath th change oil I investigate and found the problem. Leaking from the resevoir then down along the framerail in small quantities. Dealer replaced under warranty but made a bigger mess in doing so. Dropped brake fluid everywhere and damaged the undercoating. Kinda wiching I had just replaced it myslef eve if I had to pay for parts, it would have cost less than the hassle of getting this straightened out.

Also, my leak was actually ATF fluid that apparently is used in some portion of the braking system. I did not completely understand what they were talking about and why there would be ATF fluid involved. It is not being used as brake fluid but is used for some other part of the braking system. Since they were going to fix it, I never really investigated further to try to understand. It did eventually get fixed and all is fine now.

Feb 8, 2005 | 11:39 AM

Big Orn

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From: NE Texas

Is it the left portion of the axle or on the diff housing?

I have yet to see a clean diff housing after 50K miles. I guess that synthetic fluid will get out in any of those bolts holes that are not sealed just right. It's bad about that.

As far as the left side of the axle housing - you might want to check that out further. You might have a bad seal on the brink of failing.

Feb 8, 2005 | 02:59 PM

Rancha9

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From: Kingsland, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by texan2004

Also, my leak was actually ATF fluid that apparently is used in some portion of the braking system. I did not completely understand what they were talking about and why there would be ATF fluid involved. It is not being used as brake fluid but is used for some other part of the braking system. Since they were going to fix it, I never really investigated further to try to understand. It did eventually get fixed and all is fine now.

Since diesels have no crankcase vacuum, your brake booster is powered by your power steering pump, which uses Mercon ATF.

Feb 8, 2005 | 03:48 PM

texan2004

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From: Friendswood, Texas

Thanks for the expalanation ranch. Makes sense. This is my first diesel and I bought it new enough not to have to worry about fixing it for a while.

Feb 9, 2005 | 11:24 AM

MARZ06

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The residue is on the left side of the axel. Guess I am off to the dealer Saturday morning...thanks for the replies.

Feb 9, 2005 | 01:13 PM

Bear Hunter

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From: All Over

Just something else to check in reference to what looks like "oil splatter" on your differential housing. Check your exhaust to make sure the sections are not working themselves loose...pay particular attention to the spaces inbetween the flanges that go over a section of pipe. It is possible that exhaust is escaping from this location and getting soot all over the under carrage of your truck.