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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - break fluid issue

Hi all,
I have a question regarding brakes. My car (MK III RWA, standard set up) is kind of leaking the break fluid from top of the reservoir. Fluid seems to be leaking from the cap, where I have found very small hole. It is not a crack or something like that, mentioned small hole seems to be there for some reason.
Is this hole normal? Or should I replace the cap?

Thanks for help,
Stepan

Stepan Marek

Stepan the small hole is normal as standard make sure the hole is kept clean and wipe up any excess brake fluid as it will take the paint off your car

fresh spills you can poor loads of water over

fill to the bottom of the filler neck

if the fluid has not been changed for 2 or 3 years or more it may need changing

if you buy a paper copy of the owners Handbook you will have information like this at your fingetips (Ref: 0057) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html

also this can be backed up with electronic copies of the owners Handbook, factory, Parts Catalogue, workshop Manual on the Heritage DVD - http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/heritage-range/c380

N Atkins

sorry I should make one line a bit clearer

fill to the bottom of the filler neck - should read -

fill brake fluid reserviour to the bottom of its filler neck
N Atkins

Stepan

If you have fitted new brake pads, without adjusting the level, this could be the reason for the leak. Its nothing to worry about.

Dave
Dave Barrow

Hi all,
thanks for responses. I have in the meanwhile checked my archives and I already have .pdf version of the Driver's Handbook. I need to read it again...
I haven't fitted new pads, I have only cleaned and checked all the brake parts and changed the fluid last summer. Since that time I can see described "leaking" from the breather holes. I thought, that brake fluid should not be exposed to air to prevent absorbing moisture, therefore I was surprised that there is a hole in the cap.

So, if the level is maintained as required, why the fluid leaks from the breather hole?

Stepan Marek

that's the problem with electronic copies not as convenient as paper copies so they tend to get forgotten about, I've got the DVD but it's lot quicker and easier to look at the paper copy

now why the spill? not sure, flexible pipes not twisted in any way

unless someone has an explanation - it could be that you just need to withdrawn a little fluid to reduce the level, the reserviours are fitted on a sloping panel

I topped mine up after the wear of new pads had reduced the level and later saw some fluild sitting on the reserviour lip so I took some back out, I think if there was a problem that empted the reserviour then a few ml wouldn't make much odds
N Atkins

I think my Master cyl wept on a solder joint. not the end of the world, keep an eye on it.
Dan Cusworth

if it's plastic perhaps the seam is split at the top

the annoying paint-stripping-moisture-absorbing normal stuff I'd much sooner have silicone if only the PO had rebuilt mine for it
N Atkins

This thread was discussed between 05/07/2011 and 06/07/2011

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