Brake fluid leak

Tiny
LONDAJUSTUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 TOYOTA TUNDRA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,000 MILES
Brake leak on the front driver’s side. Reservoir is empty. Master cylinder seems to be fine. No visible signs of fluid or breakage. Puddle is near the front tire. Calipers are roughly four years old. I am a single mother on a fixed income. I am hoping to be knowledgeable enough to avoid a mechanic taking advantage of me. Help!
Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 AT 7:50 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
You may have a loose hose or a bleeder nipple that need tightening, also there may be a failed brake hose. Calipers rarely fault but this cannot be overlooked either, a quick check can be to wash down the wet section and top up the brake fluid, with the rear dry, watch while someone pumps the brake pedal. You should be able to see any fresh leaking. If a leak is located, it would be advisable to have it repaired there or get it towed to a workshop, driving with suspect brakes can be very dangerous. If you locate the leak and require further assistance please re-post on this thread for more information. Just looking at the pictures again, it looks as if the leak may be coming from around the master cylinder or a pipe as it appears that the leak is dripping off the steering rack boot as well. Can you advise if this is the case? The steering rack boot is the black rubber concertina boot on the steering rack.
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Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
LONDAJUSTUS
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It is almost 1:00 am where I live. I will check first thing in the morning. I will Google what that part looks like and see what I can see. Thank you so much for your help!
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Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Okay, we are quite a few hours apart as I am in Australia. I will get a notice when you respond and I will get back to you ASAP.
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Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
LONDAJUSTUS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have taken as many pictures as I can. They are attached. I have nobody to help me with pumping the brake pedal while I stand outside of the truck. Throughout this ordeal, I have seen no visible signs of fluid anywhere on the exterior of the master cylinder or the lines attached. Thank you so much for your help.
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Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
One thing we have to consider is that it is not brake fluid you are seeing. The master cylinder may have been low due to worn brake pads.I did mention that the stain was on the steering rack boot, check the power steering oil level and feel the substance on the boot of the power steering rack, this oil is tacky brake fluid is more like water in consistency. Also, look above the steering rack, is there any sign of something leaking above it that may be dripping down? We may be looking at a leaking power steering rack and not a brake fluid leak. You can also try washing the stain on the ground with a garden hose, brake fluid will tend to turn a whitish color when washed in this way, this is also worth a look.
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Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 AT 9:35 PM

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