brakes leaking at wheels

[Potatoswatter]

A few months ago I got a full service oil change. They checked my brake fluid, said it was dirty and needed replacing. Ever since, it's been slowly leaking so that I need to fill the reservoir every month. It looks like the fluid is coming out at the bleeder valve, or in any case it's moist under the caliper.

Is it likely they sampled the fluid at the wheel, and ruined a gasket when they opened the bleeder? Should I replace the bleed screw? (And deal with all the fluid draining out?) Or just put liquid gasket on it?

[AbsurdNY]

Are you talking about your rear drums? I know you said caliper but I just wanted to be sure what you are talking about because some people call the brake shoes calipers. If it is the rear drums, check the wheel cylinders. If there is fluid coming out of the rubber boots on them, you should replace them asap. Replace both sides at the same time.

[TuneAccordingly]

Is it leaking on your tires? If so, it could be your brake hose that's leaking.

[J3wman]

could be hose, a broken banjo bolt, o ring, many things

[batever]

You could have a failing brake caliper piston seal but most likely the bleeder screw isn't tightened enough.

before doing anything radical, get a 10mm flare nut wrench or a 10mm socket and try just tightening the bleeder bolt a little. Don't use a regular wrench on it, you'll mess the bolt up. Either the socket or the flare nut wrench will work.

Don't go crazy on it and snap it. remember, it's hollow and not crazy strong.

[plee3]

You could have a failing brake caliper piston seal but most likely the bleeder screw isn't tightened enough.

before doing anything radical, get a 10mm flare nut wrench or a 10mm socket and try just tightening the bleeder bolt a little. Don't use a regular wrench on it, you'll mess the bolt up. Either the socket or the flare nut wrench will work.

Don't go crazy on it and snap it. remember, it's hollow and not crazy strong.

^^That is a good start^^

wont cost you anything and it will eliminate 1 troubleshooting step. Get your car on some jack stands and have your buddy pump up the brakes. Examine the entire system while your buddy pumps the brakes. If you have a problem you should notice it.

[Potatoswatter]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Yes it's the front brakes. It's very slow, so it's not getting on the tires that I can see. I realize it could be anything but my story leads me to suspect the bleeder. I already tried tightening them as well as I could after I changed the fluid out . For all I know over-tightening by the oil change guy cracked the rubber. I guess I'll get some liquid sealant and apply it around the outside of whatever rubber appears to be filling a crack.

Mainly I'm asking, is there any point in attempting to fix the bleeder without replacing it. Replacement means taking it out and draining the brakes AGAIN. But sealing it could make it impossible to bleed again.

[OldMan'92Accord]

if the rubber hose is the brake line, it is better to replace the brake line than it is to 'patch it up'. Remember it is your brakes, for safety reasons repair it.

[Potatoswatter]

Not a hose, just the gasket in the bleed screw.

[wherm]

I applied a little bit of teflon thread tape to my bleaders. Two reasons, it creates a nice seal, and helps it from corroding and seizing up.

If the fluid is leaking from the tip, then it's not seating properly I suppose.

[batever]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Yes it's the front brakes. It's very slow, so it's not getting on the tires that I can see. I realize it could be anything but my story leads me to suspect the bleeder. I already tried tightening them as well as I could after I changed the fluid out . For all I know over-tightening by the oil change guy cracked the rubber. I guess I'll get some liquid sealant and apply it around the outside of whatever rubber appears to be filling a crack.

Mainly I'm asking, is there any point in attempting to fix the bleeder without replacing it. Replacement means taking it out and draining the brakes AGAIN. But sealing it could make it impossible to bleed again.

If you really think it's a faulty bleeder screw, you can try just replacing the bleeder screw. I don't think removing it will introduce a lot of air in the system as long as you don't move the brake pedal.

I don't think you will find a bleeder screw to purchase as a separate item, but maybe buy another master cylinder (aftermarket) and take the bleeder screw from that and install it. It may fix the problem.

Using thread sealant on the bleeder screw probably won't work because you have to loosen and tighten it to bleed the brakes, and the thread sealant is only good for one setting. Once you turn the bleeder the sealant will be wrecked. (unless you try ptfe (pipe sealing) tape).

I would just get another bleeder screw and take it from there.

BTW, I don't recall there being any rubber on the bleeder screws, I think they are all brass.