break master cyl .... how do you know if its leaking?

[spanner]

How do you know if the break master cyc is leaking or needs an over haul etc?

where do you check to see if the break fluid is not low?

Sorry,   not very mechanical.

Thanks heaps.

[Brock]

If the brake master cylinder is leaking, you will see a drop in fluid level, and a wet patch some where. Around the unions, or at the bottom of the leaking calliper. or even a wet patch on the hose.  You would notice a continual dropping level after topping up

[hobs]

By-pass leakage in the master cylinder causes the brake lever when depressed to slowly close when constant pressure is applied. The lever should feel firm when compressed as the fluid is pressured. Check all the fittings and caliper assys. externally for any weeping of brake fluid. All components are an easy fix if new seals are required.

[alans1100]

The sight glass on the front brake reservoir should give an indication of your fluid level. Some brake fluids are clear and some are coloured to make it easier to detect leaks (in theory). My fluid is blue (colour coordination.....lol) and is easier to see in the sight glass.

You also need to consider pad wear. As they wear the fluid in the reservoir drops to compensate but it shouldn't go below the minimum level in the sight glass. When you replace the pads, the calliper pistons are pushed back in which then returns the fluid back to the master.

The rear master is easier to see if you remove the RH side panel (side case has to come off)

Apart from replacing pads/fluids when due I've never needed to replace seals or anything to do with brakes in the last 171,000 km. Might be different if you don't ride all year.

[spanner]

 

thanks all

[saaz]

The slave cylinder (the one at the other end of the clutch line) is more often the one that causes problems, as it is often neglected when doing a flush, and it gets more heat.

[alans1100]

The slave cylinder (the one at the other end of the clutch line) is more often the one that causes problems, as it is often neglected when doing a flush, and it gets more heat.

That reminds me.........I must do the clutch fluid at the next oil change.......better buy some more fluid since I ran out doing the brakes.......

[Brock]

better buy some more fluid since I ran out doing the brakes.......

 

Oh no, not Clutch fluid in the brakes?????? Next you will be putting brake fluid in the clutch.......


 

[spanner]

 

[Kev Murphy]

After last service, Mechanic said to me... "You gotta leak in your clutch slave cylinder hose"

I quipped "Oh, GREAT!....How often do I have to do THAT?"

[Nigel]

Kev, your a card.............. ..........