What are the causes of brake fluid leakage?
2 Answers
Brake fluid leakage is caused by: 1. Brake hose rupture; 2. Damage to metal or rubber components in the braking system; 3. Loose or damaged hose screws. The solutions for brake fluid leakage are: 1. Reinstall or replace components connected to the brake; 2. Reinstall or replace the protective covers of the calipers and wheel cylinders; 3. Check the torque of fasteners, replace hoses or tubing. Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic brake fluid, is the liquid medium that transmits brake pressure in hydraulic braking systems, used in vehicles with hydraulic braking systems. Precautions for using brake fluid include: 1. Different types and brands of brake fluid should not be mixed; 2. When brake fluid absorbs moisture or contains impurities, it should be replaced or filtered promptly.
I've been in vehicle maintenance for many years and have seen all kinds of reasons for brake fluid leaks. The most common is aging and cracking of the master cylinder seals—rubber parts harden and crack over time, causing leaks. Loose pipe connections are another frequent issue, whether from screws not being tightened properly or vibrations on bumpy roads. Another major cause is aging and cracking of rubber hoses, which become brittle and prone to breaking after prolonged use. ABS pump seal failure or damaged caliper piston seals can also lead to leaks. The inspection method is quite simple: check if the brake fluid reservoir level suddenly drops, look for oil stains on the inner side of the tires, and if it smells slightly sweet, those are signs of a leak. It must be fixed immediately, otherwise the brakes will feel weak and unresponsive, which is dangerous, especially on highways or during turns. I recommend checking the seals annually and taking a quick glance at the reservoir before driving—prevention is always better than dealing with an emergency.
