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Mazda 323 1996 possible leak between master cylinder and booster - causes?
Hi,
I have just taken my car for a WOF update. They failed it as they noticed a slight leak between the master cylinder and the booster. Its only tiny amounts and looks mostly dry now. The car has been used for a year with no issues, its certainly not loosing much fluid, I just had a few questions on this:
1)Any way to definitely tell its brake fluid - I know its likely as its in the general area but its all around the seal evenly not just out the bottom and also the cars pretty messy under the bonnet and the leak is so small.
2) Does it definitely mean a bad master cylinder, or if the brake pads were previously replaced could the push back pressure have caused this small leak?
3) its an old car (1996) would a part from a wreck do, if not how easily can you get new/re manufactured parts in NZ any supplier suggestions?
Thanks!
3 Answers
- lagarbo89fxrsLv 68 years agoFavorite Answer
What happens is there's a rubber cup inside the master cylinder that over time becomes worn and allows fluid to seep past the cup. Usually the wear is caused from not flushing your brake fluid at manufacturer's intervals or just age. Brake fluid is hygroscopic which means it absorbs water. That water causes pitting inside the bore of the master causing the rubber cup to wear and the bore loses it's smoothness and becomes pitted. You can check just how bad it is by removing the 2 nuts or bolts that hold your master cylinder to the booster while leaving the lines attached and pulling the master outwards to look from behind. Sometimes a mirror is helpful. I wouldn't advise getting a used one, buy a rebuilt or new one. The small leak you have can or will eventually cause your brakes to lose pressure which in turn can be very dangerous. Good luck and hope this helps.
Source(s): Certified Auto Technician - scrubbagLv 78 years ago
If it is leaking, it would be the Master Cylinder seal. The booster has a rod that goes into the MC and this operates the brakes.
It might be a small chance that just tightening up the bolts that attach the MC to the booster, might stop the leak.
But perhaps you should just have someone check it out, and if needed, replace what is needed. The vehicle is 17 years old, so things will happen.
