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Ford F-150/F-250: Why is My Brake Fluid Leaking?

Do you feel like your brakes aren't working like they used to? Make sure your check your Ford F-150 or Super Duty's brakes for leaks, because you might be facing one.

By Tom Cavanagh - November 7, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014), and the F-250, F-350 (2005-2014).

A brake leak can be caused by a few different things. Checking the brake system on your Ford F-150 or F-250 Super Duty should be done regularly. If you see any signs of a leak, follow the steps below. as soon as you can.

Step 1 - Check the brake fluid

  • Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. It's a translucent container that sits on the engine.

  • Check the brake fluid level. You will see the fluid in the container. Its level should be between the "Minimum" and "Maximum" lines on the side of the reservoir.

If your brake fluid is below "Minimum" go to Step 2.

Step 2 - Check your drum brakes (if equipped) for leaks

Remove the wheel.

  • Remove the hub covering your drum brake

  • Check for signs of any fluid on the wheel cylinder or around it.

(Related Article: How to Replace Your Wheel Hub and Bearings - Ford-trucks.com)

Step 3 - Check if your disc brake caliper is leaking

  • Check for leaks coming from your brake calipers as shown above.

If you can't find any leaks, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 - Check your brake lines and connection points

Your F-Series truck has over 20 feet of brake lines and hoses, with many joints and connections.

  • Check for corroded brake lines. These take a beating from water, salt, and road debris.
  • Check all the hoses connected to your brakes. These can dry out and become brittle, becoming susceptible to leaks.

If you don't find any leaks from any of the components above, then it is advised that you take the truck to a professional auto shop to inspect your braking system.

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