Brake fluid

[rottendan]

What would cause brake fluid on the floor under brake pedal?

[gmc]

Originally Posted by rottendan

What would cause brake fluid on the floor under brake pedal?

Nothing good - but would also be surprised to see that... as I expect a mechanical connection - and not hydraulic - from the pedal to the master cylinder.

You didn't say what rig you have.

[rottendan]

Ace 30.1 on a f53

[gmc]

Originally Posted by rottendan

Ace 30.1 on a f53

Are you sure its brake fluid? On the F-53, there aren't any hydraulic brake lines in the passenger compartment.

The master cylinder is just the other side of the firewall if I recall without walking outside to look - certainly check the lines in/out for leaks - and the fluid level.

[rottendan]

Can't be sure what it is. After a couple of hours drive a small puddle of thin oily substance that looks pinkish is on the rubber mat under the brake pedal

[Mitch S]

If the cups in the master cylinder are leaking, brake fluid can travel along the push rod and enter the passenger compartment. The dust boot on the push rod usually keeps any fluid out, but I have seen it come through.

[rottendan]

Thanks. Is that a rebuild or replace?

[Mitch S]

It can be either, the fastest way would be get either a new or rebuilt unit and switch them out. If you are handy or know a good mechanic, they can be rebuilt, although most replace the cylinder.

[rottendan]

Thanks

[Peterrrr]

You said it was pinkish. Could be orange-red antifreeze (coolant).

[rottendan]

I thought that too but temp never went up and it doesn't seem to leak any more after I park

[Peterrrr]

If its a small leak you probably wouldn't see a temp change until you loose quite a bit of coolant. No leak after parking is probably because there is no longer any pressure.

[Trkyte@msn.com]

It's probably power steering fluid. Your hydro boost seal is leaking. That's where the brake pedal rod is connected to.

[gmc]

So seems the first thing is identifying the fluid... before you start replacing parts.
Brake fluid is typically clear in what I have used - but there are many different varieties now... I haven't cracked open the DOT 5 LV fluid my rig calls for yet - but have a bottle on board.

A leaking master cylinder can typically be noticed by pressing hard on the brake pedal while stopped... The pedal will stop at some point - then slowly start to descend again as it loses pressure. In bad cases the pedal will go to the floor.
Eventually you will see the loss of fluid in the reservoir as well.

Power steering fluid you may see the leak around the pump - and again fluid level will show eventually...

Antifreeze is many different colors depending on type used... This would run into the passenger compartment through the heater core. Usually has a 'sweet' smell associated with it - I wouldn't normally describe as oily though. Be sure to keep any pets away from this.

Once we can narrow down the fluid and its source - can determine what to replace.