TR6 Brake fluid leak?

[pdplot]

Came back from Florida and started my TR6. It started ok after 4 months but the brake pedal was low and spongy. I checked the master cylinder and it was nearly dry. I filled the M/C with fluid but it needed bleeding and my brakes were very weak although they worked. I have never had brake fluid evaporate just from sitting in a heated garage for 4 months. Maybe a leaking hose?

 

[RGK]

If its leaking there may be a wet spot under one or more of the line unions.

 

[bobhustead]

I would look for a leaking cylinder or caliper. Could help to bleed, apply brakes for a bit to force the leak and then look for it.

Bob

 

[pdplot]

Still waiting for my guy to come over and help me. I can't lay under a car anymore. I refilled the M/C reservoir with fresh DOT 4 and pumped the brakes many times. If there was a leak, the fluid should go down, right? It did not. Stayed right up to the mark where I filled it. Pedal got a bit harder but still spongy. No wet marks on floor. It might be leaking back into the booster? But the level would still drop, no? Also noticed the trim strip on the right rocker panel fell off and the top of the panel has pulled away from one end. Looks like someone did a cheapo repair some 30 years ago before I bought the car. Good old Bondo. The left panel is fine.

 

[RGK]

Might be air still trapped, it doesn't take much. The best method I have used is the pressure at the MC way, but it is a bit of a pain and I use a MityVac. If you still have a PDWA, pull the switch connector wire and see if there is any fluid in the switch.

 

[pdplot]

I took the car to a local shop today. They checked the entire brake system and bled the brakes. They found no leaks - nothing. Brakes are now fine. I'll keep a close eye on the fluid level. Otherwise the car is running fine.

 

[Popeye]

I took the car to a local shop today. They checked the entire brake system and bled the brakes. They found no leaks - nothing. Brakes are now fine. I'll keep a close eye on the fluid level. Otherwise the car is running fine.

Interesting. Keep checking; if a whole reservoir "disappeared" in four months, you should see a drop in level within weeks.