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MG MGB Technical - Mystery brake leak

The wife noticed a huge pool of liquid under my right front wheel while I was out of town last week. It was wet for a few days. By the time I got home it was dried up. There is fluid sprayed all over the inner wheel rim and the master cylinder is empty. So by the way it appears, I developed a leak shortly before parking the car.

It's all dry now and I cannot tell where the fluid came out of. Hoses are good and fittings are all tight. I refilled the system and bled it, then pressed hard on the brakes multiple times. Nothing comes out anywhere. Any siggestions on what is happening? Perhaps something that leaks only when hot? I can only guess I need to rebuilf the caliper.
Steve Simmons

Sometimes, hydraulic systems develop static leaks, that only show up when no pressure is applied for a while, a common occurence in aircraft. This is usually a sign on impending seal failure. Filling, and bleeding activated the system and most likely reformed the seal enough to stop the leak, but it will return. You may also have pitting on the pistons and actuating the brakes move the seal off a pit. Best bet is to have the calipers rebuilt by a reputable shop, as the seals and retainer rings can be tricky. Remember that brakes are our first line of defense and No chances should be taken in this area.
R. L Carleen

On my '79 LE, the right front caliper had a hairline crack right in the casting. When bleeding the brakes it would show up as just seeping out. And even just sitting, would also leak,
Safety Fast
Dwight
Dwight McCullough

This thread was discussed on 02/09/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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