Brake fluid leaking

JADC88

MEMBER
1997 CADILLAC DEVILLE
130,000 MILES

On the front driver side, I have some brake fluid leaking. When im idle, I cant see a leak, but when I move and stop, there is a puddle of fluid on the ground. I can't tell if it is coming from the brake caliper (it looks dry though) or any of the lines. I'm really stumped because its dry up by the master cylinder but wet behind the wheel. What can be the problem?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

A leak that leaves a puddle should be easy to spot but you may need a helper to push the brake pedal while you watch. The two most likely causes are the steel line where it attaches to the rubber flex hose is rusted through, and the rubber flex hose. Calipers rarely leak.

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Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 AT 9:21 AM

JADC88

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Is the steel line the one connected to the hose and is it running along three (I think its three) other steel lines that sit above the cv axle. If so, it seems to be where the leak is coming from because that is where it is dripping when I stop. I'm only able to go a couple blocks before the entire fluid is gone. I don't know where else to look cause I don't think any other places leak brake fluid.

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Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 AT 6:43 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Sorry to take so long getting back to you. Been out of town every day helping a friend repair smashed cars in his body shop.

No need to make this harder than it is. Sounds like you found it. The line is rusted out. There will be other steel lines in the area, especially if you have anti-lock brakes.

Cadillac also had a lot more trouble than normal with leaking combination valves. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, follow the two steel lines down from the master cylinder to a small brass block on the frame rail. Those valves rarely cause a problem but some on Cadillacs leak on the back side and it will run down the lines. Those normally leak pretty slowly. As fast as you're losing brake fluid I think it's the steel line.

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Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 AT 9:03 PM