Leaking Brake Master Cylinder

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
Rabs
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:00 pm

Post Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:53 am

Hi,

Just back from the MOT centre and my 90 H 325i Cabriolet failed the MOT on a couple of minor electrical issues but also on braking system leaking (at master cylinder). When I push brake pedal pressure is good etc but there is definitely signs of fluid below master cylinder. Its not a huge amount as I have had the car 10 months and have not had to fill the brake fluid up.

What could this be? Do I need to replace master cylinder?
Smellit
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 280
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:00 pm
Location: Daaarset (Poole Dorset)

Post Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:58 am

Seals inside it more than likely, i would take it off and see if there is anything obvious.
Dont know if you can still get the kits to repair these.
daimlerman
**BANNED**
Posts: 15968
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Grumpy Old Man

Post Wed Apr 17, 2013 12:23 pm

Assuming that the pipe joints are not leaking,a replacement master cylinder from ECP/GSF will be easier than attempting to re-build yourself.

Cost?
About £65.
Youth is wasted on the young.
User avatar
aimlessrock
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1821
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: Manchester

Post Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:39 pm

Rabs I would change the master cylinder just for peace of
mind mate particularly if its the ordinal one car came with.
.. I changed mine last year ( no leaks) just on the safe side ( but hey that's just me)
E30 320i Convertible (1989)
190 Mercedes (1988)

"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
User avatar
Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 49360
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:53 pm

Sure the leak isn't from the reservoir or its seals?
User avatar
Rabs
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:00 pm

Post Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:47 am

Could possibly be from the reservoir seal....can you get a replacement seal?
User avatar
Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 49360
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Thu Apr 18, 2013 10:04 am

User avatar
Rabs
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:00 pm

Post Thu Apr 18, 2013 1:04 pm

Thanks