360 Brake fluid loss with out visible leaks

Post by **eastcoast_marshwisp** » 12 Dec 2006 10:23 pm

A new and rather obscure problem has infected our 360. We have been experiencing brake fluid loss although there are no signs of visible leaks.

On taking the 360 to the garage they confirmed no visible leaks and suggested brake fluid is leaking from the brake master cylinder into the servo. The garage recommends the replacement of both items in case the servo contains fluid.

First off we wondered if anybody has experienced any similar problems and second what the point is of replacing the very expensive servo and not just the brake master cylinder.

Post by **pettaw** » 13 Dec 2006 12:14 am

Its possible, but rare. Best thing is to recheck everything again, especially the rear brakes. What to do is remove the rear tyres, and then just before you remove the rear drums, pump the pedal hard a few times.....then you can look round the rear cylinders for leakages.

The way to tell if fluid has leaked into the servo is to undo the brake master cylinder from the servo. There's 2 nuts holding it on. When you pull it off if the insides are damp with fluid then you've got a leak there, but as I say its rare. IMO you won't need to replace the servo, just the master cylinder, but check everything else again first.

Post by **dalahare** » 13 Dec 2006 03:10 am

How often is it in need of filling? every few days, or you just checked it for the first time in months and realised it was low? when did you last change the pads? it seems that on our cars from a new pads to worn pads it is just about the entire resevoir, if both front and rear pads need replacing then there will be stuff all fluid in the resvoir.

Website · Post by **antiekeradio** » 13 Dec 2006 06:05 pm

how expensive is a 10 quid servo from a scrapyard?

(no need to buy new... regarding the master cilinder its a different matter)

Post by **classicswede** » 13 Dec 2006 07:40 pm

I would agree with Andy totaly on this. It's very common problem on Amazons (rear drums) for the cylinders to leak but no visable sign of leakage from the outside.

Master cylinders are readily available cheaply and is well worth replacing as part of servicing but the servo should still be good but agains s/h ones are easy to get.

Post by **eastcoast_marshwisp** » 13 Dec 2006 10:10 pm

Ok to clarify the resoviour is emptying just about every two weeks, rear wheel cylinders were replaced 18 months ago. Having owned the car for 7 years the fluid loss does not compare to normal wear and tear.

If the servo works on a pedal test I can see no point in replacing it especialy with one from a scrap yard with a unkown history and full of slugs and snails (been there and done that with brake compensator valve).