Interesting Brake Issue
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Junior User
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From: Huntsville, Alabama
Interesting Brake Issue
I've got a 1975 F-150, 2-WD LWB with Power Brakes. I replaced everything having to do with the brakes except the powerbooster. I noticed that my brakes have gotten a bit soft as of late. I checked out the master cylinder and the front reservoir was pretty low. I refilled it and remarkably the brakes work better now! So, problem solved right?
Well, if my brakes aren't leaking anywhere, where did all the fluid go? Do I have a problem I need to fix? Although the procrastinator in me says to let it go since they are working, i'm worried because they are, afterall, my brakes.
Well, if my brakes aren't leaking anywhere, where did all the fluid go? Do I have a problem I need to fix? Although the procrastinator in me says to let it go since they are working, i'm worried because they are, afterall, my brakes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
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From: Middle TN
Low level in reservoir is an indicator of two possibilities.
A leak in the system, look for wet areas on brakes or tires, trace each line and look for signs of leaks.
Normal wear of the pads will slowly lower the fluid level.
A leak in the system, look for wet areas on brakes or tires, trace each line and look for signs of leaks.
Normal wear of the pads will slowly lower the fluid level.
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From: Seattle
OOps...
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: southeast Idaho
Your rear drums shoes and such can absorb a lot of fluid before they will start leaking outside onto the tires, so keep a close watch back there, it will show as lines on the tires sometimes all the way around from dripping onto it them being flung off as the tires goes round..
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: Huntsville, Alabama
Thanks so far, but y'all are missing the point.
First, the amount I replaced was definitely greater than the average amount one replaces due to disc wear, which I have never had to do on any vehicle I have owned. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying I put more than half a regular sized bottle in the front part of the master cylinder.
Like I said, assuming there is no leak in the system. Also, I didn't tell you this, but I have been driving the truck daily for over a year since I replaced all of the brake componentry. I don't know where the freaking fluid went!
First, the amount I replaced was definitely greater than the average amount one replaces due to disc wear, which I have never had to do on any vehicle I have owned. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying I put more than half a regular sized bottle in the front part of the master cylinder.
Like I said, assuming there is no leak in the system. Also, I didn't tell you this, but I have been driving the truck daily for over a year since I replaced all of the brake componentry. I don't know where the freaking fluid went!
Last edited by BSCowboy; May 21, 2010 at 09:49 PM. Reason: for clarity
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: Huntsville, Alabama
Your rear drums shoes and such can absorb a lot of fluid before they will start leaking outside onto the tires, so keep a close watch back there, it will show as lines on the tires sometimes all the way around from dripping onto it them being flung off as the tires goes round..
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Laughing Gas
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I have seen the fluid leak into the booster and even get burned up in the engine vacuum system. Usually the booster doesn't last long when this happens. The diaphragm gets fluid on it and gets really big and doesn't work correctly anymore. If you booster is still working fine and there are no leaks, I would guess one or more of the rear cylinders are leaking some like wdfp said.
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Junior User
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From: Huntsville, Alabama
I had no idea that the fluid could leak into booster. If this is the case, why would fluid leak into the power booster from only the front reservoir?
I am trying to exhaust all the possibilities.
I am trying to exhaust all the possibilities.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Thanks so far, but y'all are missing the point.
First, the amount I replaced was definitely greater than the average amount one replaces due to disc wear, which I have never had to do on any vehicle I have owned. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying I put more than half a regular sized bottle in the front part of the master cylinder.
Like I said, assuming there is no leak in the system. Also, I didn't tell you this, but I have been driving the truck daily for over a year since I replaced all of the brake componentry. I don't know where the freaking fluid went!
First, the amount I replaced was definitely greater than the average amount one replaces due to disc wear, which I have never had to do on any vehicle I have owned. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying I put more than half a regular sized bottle in the front part of the master cylinder.
Like I said, assuming there is no leak in the system. Also, I didn't tell you this, but I have been driving the truck daily for over a year since I replaced all of the brake componentry. I don't know where the freaking fluid went!
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