Leaking break fluid 2001 BMW 325i-5spd manual

Tiny
HEALTHCAREPRO
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW 325
Recently replaced rear break pads following normal procedure. Didn't bleed breaks though. After driving to bed or seat pads, noticed break fluid leaking from driver front below air-intake housing. Removed housing and found no obvious signs. It appears fluid is leaking onto shroud then on to ground. Brakes and clutch operating fine. But, I'm thinking the clutch master or slave cylinder is about to go out. Was wondering if bleeding break would resolve issue or about the difficulty of repair or cost to take it to mechanic? Please help. Thanks, Gabe
Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 8:38 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
It’s normal to leak the excess fluid from the master cylinder
You must of added fluid in the past before the brake job
And when you pressed / pushed the caliper piston back in
the fluid will return to the master cylinder
Any extra will leak
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Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 8:49 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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It’s normal to leak the excess fluid from the master cylinder
You must of added fluid in the past before the brake job
And when you pressed / pushed the caliper piston back in
the fluid will return to the master cylinder
Any extra will leak[/quote:9b814092dd]
thanks for replying to my prev post concerning the break fluid leakage.

However, I'm still concerned with the amount of fluid being lost. I understand that when you compress the caliper, the master cylinder resevoir will overflow and spill some of the fluid. My question now is, assuming it is something other than an overflow, what else would cause it to leak on the driver side below the air intake? Also, would the fluid level in the resevoir get lower if it were a clutch slave or master cylinder malfunction? Last time I checked, the fluid level in the resevoir is full yet I'm losing a significant amount of fluid on the pavement. I know, if it aint broke dont fix it but, my understanding is that the leakage is an indicator of a failing clutch slave or master cylinder. Most likely I'll take it to a shop but I don't want to get screwed on repairs that may not be required. Any idea of the cost for a clutch slave or master cylinder replacement?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gabe

If the fluid level not going down
And your brake ok and clutch fluid ok and operate ok
And still have concern about the fluid leaking wash the area
And watch it see if the fluid leak returns

U had no leak prior to the brake job
Just wash it and let see
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Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
HEALTHCAREPRO
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Ok, I'll try that approach. I may even put it up on ramps to see for myself.

I think it is peculiar that the leakage started the same day I replaced the rear pads. Nonethless, it's been a couple of weeks since and the fluid volume seems to be increasing. I guess the increased pressure in the break line could force the fluid to seep out of the resevoir Seems logical but then again, my mechanical instincts are not great. I try to not to overstep my obvious boundries.

Again, I can't tell you how much this helps. I'll be sure to make a donation to the site.

Thanks,
Gabe

It’s normal to leak the excess fluid from the master cylinder
You must of added fluid in the past before the brake job
And when you pressed / pushed the caliper piston back in
the fluid will return to the master cylinder
Any extra will leak[/quote:e63ac7044a]
thanks for replying to my prev post concerning the break fluid leakage.

However, I'm still concerned with the amount of fluid being lost. I understand that when you compress the caliper, the master cylinder resevoir will overflow and spill some of the fluid. My question now is, assuming it is something other than an overflow, what else would cause it to leak on the driver side below the air intake? Also, would the fluid level in the resevoir get lower if it were a clutch slave or master cylinder malfunction? Last time I checked, the fluid level in the resevoir is full yet I'm losing a significant amount of fluid on the pavement. I know, if it aint broke dont fix it but, my understanding is that the leakage is an indicator of a failing clutch slave or master cylinder. Most likely I'll take it to a shop but I don't want to get screwed on repairs that may not be required. Any idea of the cost for a clutch slave or master cylinder replacement?

Your comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gabe

If the fluid level not going down
And your brake ok and clutch fluid ok and operate ok
And still have concern about the fluid leaking wash the area
And watch it see if the fluid leak returns

U had no leak prior to the brake job
Just wash it and let see[/quote:e63ac7044a]
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Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
The grommets that hold the reservoir to the master may be the culprit as well.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 6:42 PM

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