1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Brake Fluid/ Brake Line Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-07-10, 07:40 PM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
SR20detFC3S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Conneticut
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Brake Fluid/ Brake Line Problem

so I park my car in the driveway and everything is fine. I come back two hours later and go to start it. Everything is going well until I engage the brake pedal, which I discover drops almost all the way to the floor before beginning to work now. I proceed to shut the car off and find a puddle of brake fluid lying underneath it... I check the master cylinder and find no noticable problems/leaks (except that the fluid is completely empty). I check for the source of the leak, which appears to be coming from one of the brake lines directly under the drivers seat area. In addition, when i depress the brake pedal the car makes this noise like air being pushed out of a small opening. Is this just a busted brake hose or something more?
This is my first car so excuse me if this is quite obvious
Old 09-07-10, 09:27 PM
  #2  
Out In the Barn


iTrader: (9)
 
KansasCityREPU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: KC
Posts: 6,135
Received 1,033 Likes on 817 Posts
You will have to replace that entire line, or a more reasonable solution would be to get a flaring tool and put a male and female end where the line is bad. I do not believe there is a junction under the car at that point so replacing a small run wont work (I could be wrong).
Old 09-08-10, 02:07 AM
  #3  
Old Fart Young at Heart

iTrader: (6)
 
trochoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: St Joe MO
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Does the leak start inside or outside of the car? If the carpet is under the pedals is soaked with fluid, or the leak is behind the brake booster, the master is bad. If you know/can see the leak coming from under the car, then the line to the rear brakes is bad. That's the longest brake line on the car going from the proportioning valve to near the rear axle. If the line is bad, replace all of it, it may be weak in more than 1 place.
Old 09-08-10, 06:05 AM
  #4  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
SR20detFC3S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Conneticut
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by trochoid
Does the leak start inside or outside of the car? If the carpet is under the pedals is soaked with fluid, or the leak is behind the brake booster, the master is bad. If you know/can see the leak coming from under the car, then the line to the rear brakes is bad. That's the longest brake line on the car going from the proportioning valve to near the rear axle. If the line is bad, replace all of it, it may be weak in more than 1 place.
The leak start underneath the car, i believe on one of the metal lines heading towards the back of the car, so I guess I'll need to replace it... will i need to bleed the brakes after this?
Old 09-08-10, 09:19 AM
  #5  
Full Member

 
timedrapery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Earth
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SR20detFC3S
The leak start underneath the car, i believe on one of the metal lines heading towards the back of the car, so I guess I'll need to replace it... will i need to bleed the brakes after this?
Yes, you will definitely have to bleed the brakes after this. By replacing that line you are introducing a good bit of air in to the system. Just follow the FSM's instructions and you will be fine, it's not a terribly difficult job.
Old 09-08-10, 11:58 AM
  #6  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,750
Received 1,062 Likes on 899 Posts
replacing the entire line is from the master cylinder to the rear axle is a must. do not use compression fittings, use unions and join two flared sections if necessary. you will need to bleed th eentire system of air. to find the exact leak, put some more fluid in the resivour and pump the brake pedal and have someone look under the car to ensure your leak is where you think it is. it does sound like the brake line has rusted and has developed a pin hole leak.
Old 09-09-10, 05:06 PM
  #7  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
SR20detFC3S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Conneticut
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
replacing the entire line is from the master cylinder to the rear axle is a must. do not use compression fittings, use unions and join two flared sections if necessary. you will need to bleed th eentire system of air. to find the exact leak, put some more fluid in the resivour and pump the brake pedal and have someone look under the car to ensure your leak is where you think it is. it does sound like the brake line has rusted and has developed a pin hole leak.
Thanks!
One problem though. I've been searching for a replacement line and can't seem to find one
Anyone know a good place to look?
Old 09-09-10, 10:34 PM
  #8  
Have RX-7, will restore


iTrader: (91)
 
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 21,750
Received 1,062 Likes on 899 Posts
you'll have to go to your local auto parts store and buy it in sections and buy unions as necessary.
Old 09-10-10, 05:58 AM
  #9  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
SR20detFC3S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Conneticut
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
you'll have to go to your local auto parts store and buy it in sections and buy unions as necessary.
ok thanks!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
82streetracer
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
7
08-23-15 09:28 AM
Frisky Arab
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
13
08-18-15 05:30 PM
GrossPolluter
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
4
08-16-15 09:50 AM



Quick Reply: Brake Fluid/ Brake Line Problem



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:30 PM.