Coolant leaking and brake fluid leaking

Tiny
XJSHEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 69,000 MILES
2003 Pontiac Montana 69000 miles coolant leaking and brake fluid leaking.
At first coolant leaking at beneath of engine after inspection at car shop. I added coolant leaking stop and stopped leaking for one year. Recently I found it leaking fast and accumulate on the engine.
It looks like water pump leaking or a worn seal on the water pump shaft can leak coolant. Is it possible fix by myself?

Recently brake fluid is decreased suddenly when out temperature low at 6 to 10F. I do not know where it leaking. I think that the brake fluid leaking may be caused by accumulated coolant on the top of the parts near the engine and water pump. But I do not know exactly why. I checked 4 tires brake lines not leaking. And it looks leaking at similar place with coolant leaking. Is it possible to fix it by myself?
Thanks for your comment!
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 AT 11:38 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
One thing you have to learn is that there is no such thing as "Mechanic in a Can". Those chemicals cause more harm than good and shouldn't be used. The sealer that sealed you lea temporarily has likely permanently plugged up your radiator and heater core.

If you have a brake fluid leak, that is very dangerous and you shouldn't even be driving it. It needs to be inspected by a competent service tech and repaired properly.
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Thursday, March 5th, 2015 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
XJSHEN
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Dealer fixed Coolant leak by replacement of intake manifold set with $760.
But did not fixed brake problem. Tech said brake fluid is very sticky and need replace of brake Master cylinder by quoting $500. Is the price is fair? Before I replaced Master cylinder in another GM car just paid $130.
Thanks for your input!
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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
Brake fluid does not get "sticky". If your fluid has been contaminated with any sort of oil based liquid, even a few drops, you have a lot bigger problem. It will attack every piece of rubber in the system so you need him to clarify exactly what the problem is and what he's doing to correct it.
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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
XJSHEN
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  • 203 POSTS
Thanks for your nice comment and help!
I think something mixed with brake oil, and it was sticky, like honey. Tech told me must replace the master cylinder that cost $500.
In the morning there was no brake light and low brake fluid signals on the dash board.
Only replace the master cylinder and bleeding can clear the both signals?
I think the master cylinder may be ok.
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Thursday, March 12th, 2015 AT 11:46 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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You will be lucky if the Master cylinder is the only thing he has to replace. That contamination usually spreads to other components.
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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 2:02 AM
Tiny
XJSHEN
  • MEMBER
  • 203 POSTS
Yes. It was strange, but he showed it is sticky in the tank.
Something was wrong.
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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
XJSHEN
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  • 203 POSTS
I replaced rear wheel cylinder which was leaking and the major problem of spongy brake. And replaced master cylinder also. But old master cylinder does work normally. Dealer loosen 4 wheel nuts, transection oil pan nuts (all 12 nuts) that cause oil leak from pan, and malfunction A/C cause refrigerant leaking from low pressure port. Before go to the shop l got inspection Honda dealer, and have a trip to Canada, and air conditioning worked great. But now after the event in this shop, A/C does not work effectively. I wiped off green liquid leaking trace on the low pressure port several days ago, but found a new leak in the port. I have never touched A/C system since there was no any problem since 2003 bought new car, and have never filled the green dye.
If new Pontiac Montana car originally filled with green indicator dye at factory?
I don't know if there additional unknown problem caused by the shop.
I have to pay detail inspection in other shop. I have to file complain against shop at ncdoj. Gov.
Thanks for your comment and help!

Xjshen
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 AT 12:09 PM

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