TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Dec 24, 2014 1:34 pm

Hello all,
After noticing a slow drain of brake fluid from my reservoir, I looked at the back side of all the tires and found the front-right tire had streaks of fluid.

Today I removed the wheel and cleaned up the area nicely. I then had my daughter press the brake pedal a couple times. The fluid is coming from the piston area on one side of the caliper. It's not a lot, but after multiple brakings, it would build up enough to drip.

Looks like I'll keep a sharp eye on my fluid level until I can get the bus into the shop for a caliper repair next week.

Wed Dec 24, 2014 1:51 pm

Hi Eric - usually calipers don't leak when they go bad, they lock or freeze up. I would be concerned that water in the system has caused rust and pitting that is allowing the leaking. You might try to find a good inexpensive used set of calipers that your shop can use as spares if those cannot be rebuilt. Rebuild kits are available at very reasonable prices, and I personally prefer rebuilding my own vs someone elses replacements. Not only is it less expensive, but one can check the quality too. New replacements for a 1977 are available but the hose position will be different which will mean bending the front lines.

Also, if you have not replaced the front rubber brake lines, now would be a good time.

Wed Dec 24, 2014 2:20 pm

SGKent wrote: Hi Eric - usually calipers don't leak when they go bad, they lock or freeze up. I would be concerned that water in the system has caused rust and pitting that is allowing the leaking. You might try to find a good inexpensive used set of calipers that your shop can use as spares if those cannot be rebuilt. Rebuild kits are available at very reasonable prices, and I personally prefer rebuilding my own vs someone elses replacements. Not only is it less expensive, but one can check the quality too. New replacements for a 1977 are available but the hose position will be different which will mean bending the front lines.

Also, if you have not replaced the front rubber brake lines, now would be a good time.

Good advice, as always. I think I have a couple calipers in my parts stash.
I replaced all my metal & rubber brake lines about five years ago, so theoretically those are still fine.