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I recently had a track day cut short when I discovered brake fluid leaking from the calipers and onto the wheels on both sides at the front. Both sides looked like this.
What's confusing me is that the fluid does not seem to be coming from the pistons. It seems to be coming from where the hard line connects to the outside of the caliper, and in this pic and when I removed the pads I saw no residue on the inside indicating fluid was coming from the pistons and leaking down.
I never lost braking power, and fluid loss was not noticeable at the reservoir, so very little came out. It was enough to leave streaks on the wheels and tires, however (and etch the paint on my wheels ). The pads were getting pretty low and transferring a lot of heat. This was only the third day on Pagid yellows and they are done. This despite having GT2 brake ducts on the front.
Is there some type of overflow valve on the caliper itself, do I need to tighten the hard line fitting, or ? It does not seem to be leaking since this one event. Any advice appreciated!
Last edited by jayzbird; Jun 22, 2015 at 11:21 PM.
I recently had a track day cut short when I discovered brake fluid leaking from the calipers and onto the wheels on both sides at the front. Both sides looked like this. What's confusing me is that the fluid does not seem to be coming from the pistons. It seems to be coming from where the hard line connects to the outside of the caliper, and in this pic and when I removed the pads I saw no residue on the inside indicating fluid was coming from the pistons and leaking down. I never lost braking power, and fluid loss was not noticeable at the reservoir, so very little came out. It was enough to leave streaks on the wheels and tires, however (and etch the paint on my wheels ). The pads were getting pretty low and transferring a lot of heat. This was only the third day on Pagid yellows and they are done. This despite having GT2 brake ducts on the front. Is there some type of overflow valve on the caliper itself, do I need to tighten the hard line fitting, or ? It does not seem to be leaking since this one event. Any advice appreciated!
no idea about the leak, quite odd that it was both fronts. Wonder if a prior owner had the fronts off and they were no reinstalled correctly or something. Is there a crush washer or something at the hydraulic connection? Parts diagram might help. I'm also surprised you went through a set of yellows in 3 days! Was it solid running all 3 days or run groups?
I would be very surprised if you had a leak at the bridge line fitting. Highly unlikely. I've seen calipers leak and it's generally from overheating and the piston seals going bad. Brake fluid gets pushed out and air blows it our around the caliper. A friend had this happen to his calipers and fluid ended up blowing all the way on the side of the car. Pop you brake pads out and examine the pistons for leaks... Very easy to do on the fronts. Turn the wheel fully to the right and you'll be able to get a good luck at the pistons through the back of the caliper once you remove the pads. Vice versa on the other side. Your bleeders may also weep a little but it's generally just residual fluid from the last bleed. It's pretty evident when those leak as you will see a trail and discoloration in the caliper paint. Hope you get it sorted. Good luck..
Last edited by pwdrhound; Jun 23, 2015 at 01:41 PM.
Thanks for the feedback, guys. To answer some of the questions:
Yes I was shocked the pads went so fast also. These were just regular 20-25 minute sessions, probably 15 or so in all at Laguna Seca. I understand Laguna is hard on brakes, but this set lasted far shorter than my last. When I measured rotor temps after a cool down lap and leisurely return to paddock parking, they were still ~ 650 F. I also had to chisel the pad material out of my rotor slots! I'm ready to try PFCs at this point, and a bit disappointed with my $300 brake ducts.
I could not find fluid residue around the pistons with the pads out, but perhaps was not thorough enough in my investigation.
I did my normal bleed and pad change process pre-event, so nothing different or untoward vs. previously
). The pads were getting pretty low and transferring a lot of heat. This was only the third day on Pagid yellows and they are done. This despite having GT2 brake ducts on the front. 
