Smoke coming from behind engine after short drive

AIMEE18

MEMBER
2014 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
1.4L
3 CYL
TURBO
2WD
MANUAL
56,000 MILES

After a journey, 5-10 miles roughly not far. Fan is on but the engine is not overheating (90*), the smoke appears to come from brake fluid reservoir or around that area, and brake fluid appears to be draining quickly. Turning A/C or heater on worsens it also, and a strong smell similar to burning alcohol is released and can smell in the car. Has been doing this since I got the car 2 months ago. Not after every single journey but about once or twice a week it happens. Smoke only starts after I turn the engine off and usually smokes for 5-10 minutes.

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1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Thanks for the video, it looks like the brake master cylinder is leaking onto the exhaust system which causes the smoke. Can you look under the brake master to confirm? If so, this generic guide can help you change it out and I have included the specific instructions for your car in the diagrams below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-brake-master-cylinder

and

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

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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