Another Brake Mystery.

[55 Fargo]

Went to check my MC on the 47 Chrysler, immediately notice 2-3 ounces low, it is DOT 5 silicone fluid.

in 2006 all brand new lines, hoses, drums machined, new shoes and all shop rebuilt MC and wheel cyls.

I see no leaking at the MC or on backing plates on wheels, not today not ever.

I have no pulled any drums yet for a closer inspection, but will this week.

Must be the year of brake problems for me...........

[Plymouthy Adams]

Fred...look at the back of the master cylinder for by pass of fluid...

[55 Fargo]

Along the pedal shaft boot area? Will have a good look under there this week.

[P15-D24]

Any connection is a potential leak source. Also check all "T" blocks for cracks.

Is the pedal firm or do you need to pump it or do you need to pump it to get it too full height and firmness? 

[55 Fargo]

Any connection is a potential leak source. Also check all "T" blocks for cracks.

Is the pedal firm or do you need to pump it or do you need to pump it to get it too full height and firmness? 

Good firm, high pedal, brakes are quite good on this car. I will check out all lines and wheels for leaks and report back.thanx

[55 Fargo]

Got home from Night shift, checked around MC and line going to diff no sign of leakage there or at front brake hoses. I will pull drums, but no leaking on backing plates either.

I wonder if some of the brake fluid is spilling out the top of the MC over time, could that be possible?

[55 Fargo]

Pulled front drums, all is fine, no leaks there, no leaks at MC, no leaks on lines, unions or hoses.

I have not pulled back drums yet, but no sign of leaking there either. I will pull back drums later today or tomorrow.

Is it possible I am losing fluid out the MC cap?

[Plymouthy Adams]

not likely....unless you have pulled the anti splash plate from inside the fill cap...even at that...there would be evidence of the fluid on the top and side of the master where the vent hole aligns when tightened

[55 Fargo]

Back brakes are clear too, now where the heck is the brake fluid going?

It has to be the MC, squirtin some out once in a while.

Drums were tight, have not been off in 3years

[Don Coatney]

When did you last check the fluid level? 2006? Are you sure it was full then?

 

If you have a firm pedal and good stopping power I would suggest you check the level again in 6 years and report your findings to this thread at that time.

[55 Fargo]

When did you last check the fluid level? 2006? Are you sure it was full then?

 

If you have a firm pedal and good stopping power I would suggest you check the level again in 6 years and report your findings to this thread at that time.

I hope thats not what happened to your MC Don? Forget to check fluid level in 6 years......LOL

Actually checked fluid every spring and fall except did not check in 2012, the level was not quite full to top, in all checks, until now.

So any ideas other than don't check fluid level again for 6 years?.....LOL

Brakes are as good as these type get, but with any brakes, I do get very concerned if fluid is leaking....

Edited March 12, 2013 by C38Spitfire6

[Don Coatney]

When my master cylinder failed I lost pedal not fluid.

 

Have you adjusted the brake shoes to compensate for wear in the past 6 years? If so did you top off the master cylinder at that time?

[55 Fargo]

When my master cylinder failed I lost pedal not fluid.

 

Have you adjusted the brake shoes to compensate for wear in the past 6 years? If so did you top off the master cylinder at that time?

Yes, actually have adjusted some, and did not seem to need any added fluid, could have been oversighted I suppose. The brake shoe wear is nice and even, at least.

I know with disc brake calipers, fluid level, can sure go down in the MC with a lot of wear.....Thanx for the idea.