Mysterious brake fluid leak. PLEASE Help

[Ifirefight]

2001, 2WD, automatic, 5VZ-FE

I thought I fixed the leak when I replaced the rear calipers. One was definitely leaking. No leaks anywhere now, EXCEPT it seems like it’s leaking right in the middle of one of the lines that run from the master cylinder to the rear brakes as you can see in the pictures . I thought it might be inside the plastic clip that holds the lines...I took it off to get a better look, degreased and sanded it with fine paper to get a closer look at it. I still cannot seem to find it, it’s making me crazy. There is NO trace of fluid upstream or downstream from that spot. No trace under carpet or inside or outside of firewall. My finger is pointing to where the leak should be located underneath the vehicle. I have a paper plate under it for a few hours, pumped the brakes, etc. Nothing so far. ANY ideas??

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[LittleCaesar]

Nothing like a middle finger salute to get the angst out.

Does your pedal go all the way to the floor?

I’d go heavy on the brake cleaner on that line and look again.

 

[Ifirefight]

Lol, for what it’s worth that’s my right hand and pointer finger.. but I do feel like giving it the middle finger. Pedal is fine, brakes feel fine, not spongy.. good idea on the brake cleaner. Just seems to me it has to be in that spot and obvious.. but it’s fighting me the whole way..Thanks


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[LittleCaesar]

Damn LG Android viewing screen just stinks for me.

Losing any brake fluid? If not, and the pedal is fine, you most likely don’t have a leak. Otherwise the pedal would be to or close to the floor.

 

[Ifirefight]

It is losing a small amount.. I know on this model year you are supposed to pump the brakes 40 times and THEN check fluid level. You hear the ABS pump (or whatever that’s called) turn on and off and cycle. Pedal is solid. It’s my Sons car and he’s going away to college. We just did a COMPLETE timing belt change, water pump,all belts,radiator,hoses,thermostat,cam seals,crank seal, LBJ, tie rod ends,etc... just trying to get this last obstacle covered before he goes away and then I’m at the mercy of some unknown mechanics...


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[brillo_76]

Unless its pinholed at those clips and it really dosent look rusty enough to be heavy rotted. Being as thin as brake fluid is mostly the entire area is wet when they start leaking and the pedal goes extremely soft. You sure that's brake fluid on those lines? Is your brake fluid red?

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[LittleCaesar]

Now that I have access to better pictures, definitely not a brake fluid leak. It would look like water droplets if it was and would shoot out when the pedal is depressed. I would hit those brake lines with some paint spray so they don’t rust up.

 

[Ifirefight]

Unless its pinholed at those clips and it really dosent look rusty enough to be heavy rotted. Being as thin as brake fluid is mostly the entire area is wet when they start leaking and the pedal goes extremely soft. You sure that's brake fluid on those lines? Is your brake fluid red?

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No not red brake fluid.. I’m ASSUMING it’s brake fluid because of it wrinkling up the paint... and it’s ONLY in that particular area... not sure what else it could possibly be that wrinkles up the paint like that?? This truck has NO other issues or fluid leaks.


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[Ifirefight]

Now that I have access to better pictures, definitely not a brake fluid leak. It would look like water droplets if it was and would shoot out when the pedal is depressed. I would hit those brake lines with some paint spray so they don’t rust up.

This truck has lived in Sputh Florida it’s whole life. No rust issues. What else besides brake fluid would cause the paint to “bubble” up like that? Thanks


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[Ifirefight]

I have super cleaned the area with brake fluid cleaner. I parked it in the driveway and will not move it. I am on duty at the Fire Department tomorrow for 24 hours, so it will sit there until Tuesday morning when I get home. I will check to see if any drips have happened at that time. Thanks for all the help.


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[LittleCaesar]

This truck has lived in Sputh Florida it’s whole life. No rust issues. What else besides brake fluid would cause the paint to “bubble” up like that? Thanks


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Chemicals from the road, even air, if you have the right medium base to work with. Being in Florida, humidity, uv, and salt are your worst enemies.

As long as you aren’t adding fluid once a month or so I wouldn’t worry about it as long as the pedal stays firm.

 

[negusm]

I was going to say. It looked exactly like you sprayed aircraft paint stripper on that area.

Other than, paint stripper, I haven't seen anything pucker automotive paint like that.

 

[pluton]

Coolant, including Toyota Red or Pink, will destroy paint. Rear heater line leak?

 

[brillo_76]

Coolant, including Toyota Red or Pink, will destroy paint. Rear heater line leak?

I though the rear heater lines are down the passenger side under the passenger seat. The brake , fuel and emmisions lines run down the driver side by the frame rail then on to it half way back


I agree I thought antifreeze or transmission fluid or perhaps power steering fluid dripping on it from the steering rack area.

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[pluton]

I though the rear heater lines are down the passenger side under the passenger seat. The brake , fuel and emmisions lines run down the driver side by the frame rail then on to it half way back


I agree I thought antifreeze or transmission fluid or perhaps power steering fluid dripping on it from the steering rack area.

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Right you are...I didn't grok which side the photo was of. Does ATF eat paint? What about coolant from the oil cooler?

 

[brillo_76]

Right you are...I didn't grok which side the photo was of. Does ATF eat paint? What about coolant from the oil cooler?

ATF as far as i know does not hurt paint at all. Brake fluid and Antifreeze can damage it. Yes the oil cooler could be seeping as well.