Brake fluid leak?

NICKBEE07

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER

Yesterday I changed the brake pads out on my 96 ford explorer. In the process I removed the brake line on the driver side caliper. Needless to say fluid leaked around and out. Before getting to the point, I did put in new pads successfully. For the most part. I reattached the brake line and refilled the brake fluid that spilled out. I tested the brakes and noticed that I could push to the pedal all the way back, it was also not stopping at the response time I liked. I figured I would check it in the morning when it was light out. This morning, I noticed brake fluid was leaking all over the caliper and tire. What could have caused this?

when I reinstalled the brake cable to the caliper, it went bolt, washer, connector, caliper.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

There is a crush washer that goes between the hose and the caliper. It is not re-usable.
When this washer gets installed it 'crushes' and creates a seal around the connection and prevent fluid from leaking. If you used the old crush washer then it will likely leak. As this is already flattened and cannot provide proper seal.
Simply take off the hose and replace the washer with a new one. That should fix the issue.

Also you want to bleed the brakes after re-installing the hose.
That is one of the reason why the pedal goes to the floor, along with the leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.