Tiny Brake line leak

[eamici]

Installed all brake lines and the work seemed to be done acceptably. After about a couple weeks I noticed a drop of fluid pooling at the rear most end of the driver's side main support tube. For months, I have been trying to locate the source. I've taped some small pieces of paper towels in various spot on the lines to see where the leak is coming from....without success. What's making me crazy is the place where the fluid is showing up is nowhere near where the lines run.

I've been unable to proceed with this build, trying to fix this problem....and its been months.

At this point, I guess what I'm asking is this: Is a leak this small acceptable. We're talking about 1 drop of fluid a month.

[Papa]

Brake fluid is caustic and will strip paint, but more importantly getting a car to go is optional, getting it to stop is not. I would continue to look at every flair fitting for any signs of fluid, as that is the most likely source of the leak. You should be able to simply use a dry paper towel and wipe each fitting until you find the one that is leaking. If the car hasn't moved, look at were the spots on the ground are and start tracing from the area directly above that spot.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAwW1SMo-Z8

[Rdone585]

It's easier to find now than later when it's worse and more stuff in the way. You do not want brake leaks.

Get someone to apply strong pedal pressure while you search for the leak. Or use a bar to apply the pressure. Leaks can be tricky. Fluid runs the path of least resistance and follows the laws of gravity (and surface tension). Drops will flow down a path until they reach a point where they can puddle and create a drop to then fall on the ground.

[eamici]

Thanks. I have wiped down every fitting and line there is. The one culprit I thought was the problem was the rear three way splitter that takes the fluid from the front and distributes it to the rear DS & PS bakes. There was some slight corrosion there, but when I wrap it with paper towels and leave it for a couple days, I come back to find no fluid has leaked from the fitting and there is still a tiny bit of pooling on the main frame tube (the lowest place on the car.) I would have figured if the fluid was crawling down some tubes, there would be some corrosion but thats not the case.

I may just have to bite the bullet and start changing fittings & lines.

[Papa]

Thanks. I have wiped down every fitting and line there is. The one culprit I thought was the problem was the rear three way splitter that takes the fluid from the front and distributes it to the rear DS & PS bakes. There was some slight corrosion there, but when I wrap it with paper towels and leave it for a couple days, I come back to find no fluid has leaked from the fitting and there is still a tiny bit of pooling on the main frame tube (the lowest place on the car.) I would have figured if the fluid was crawling down some tubes, there would be some corrosion but thats not the case.

I may just have to bite the bullet and start changing fittings & lines.

Are you certain it's brake fluid? Have you checked the shocks?

[frd2]

May only actually leak when under pressure. As mentioned above make sure and check after pumping the peddle several times - hold good firm pressure then look for the wet spot......

Good luck

[egchewy79]

I had a small leak that would only come up after driving the car and getting the brakes warm. I wasn't able to get it to leak by pumping the brakes while parked in the garage. it ended up coming from my brake caliper itself, but not from the banjo bolt or the bleeder valve, but from the piston seal.
likes others have said, good luck.

[eamici]

Thanks to all for the input

[Mark Reynolds]

Try snugging your tube nuts!

[Ray]

Try snugging your tube nuts!

Like Mark suggested.....

I backed mine off less than a quarter-turn and then tightened them back down.

Ray