Author Topic: Brake fluid dripping from trans???!!  (Read 2296 times)

dwf08

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Brake fluid dripping from trans???!!
« on: February 12, 2015, 08:07:04 PM »
Ive noticed that I've been leaking brake fluid somewhere but don't know where so when I pulled into work today I saw a spot where I normally park that's not been there I looked under my car after I parked and saw it dripping from the bell housing it looked like it was coming from inside but I don't know. Any help would be great to as of what it could be

dwf08

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Re: Brake fluid dripping from trans???!!
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2015, 09:19:48 PM »
I think it might be the clutch slave cylinder but don't know where is the best place to get one or what is the best brand to get. Anyone ever use one from autozone? It's only like 20.00??

colin86325

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Re: Brake fluid dripping from trans???!!
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2015, 07:50:22 AM »
You need to determine if it's brake fluid or oil (engine or gear oil).
If it's brake fluid, then yes your slave would be suspect. 
I don't have any experience with a salve from Autozone, but you can get parts from bmaparts.com, rmeuropean, partsgeek, etc etc.  Just shop around and don't get a shitty Chinese part.

DesktopDave

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Re: Brake fluid dripping from trans???!!
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2015, 05:28:19 PM »
The inner seal of the clutch slave is leaking. It's just held in with a clip. When it leaks it'll drain into the clutch cavity then drain out behind the motor. No big deal, just two 10mm bolts. It is pretty tight under there. Dropping the rear tranny subframe a few inches with a trolley jack can make it a bit easier.

Those usually last a pretty long time, I don't think I'd care if it was a cheap part. I would use a decent quality brake fluid, like Castrol DOT4. I tend to pressure bleed the clutch slaves - I use a low-pressure pump to put about 10psi into a sealed brake fluid bleeder cup. This method will push a bit of fluid back up into the brake reservoir, so be aware of potential overflowing.

If you do spill brake fluid on the car, be sure to wash it off with plenty of fresh water. If you leave it on for more than an hour it'll start to eat away even the toughest enamels.
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