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Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:00 pm

I have a brake fluid leak on my car. I have to add fluid every now and then. I can't figure out where the leak it at. I looked today but I can't see any evidence of where it is. It's not from the reservoir to the master cylinder.
I had to replace a right from wheel cylinder today. Don't see any evidence around the wheels. Anybody got any ideas how to find it.

Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:04 pm

Check the floor by the master.

Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:40 pm

I looked there but it is dry. I thought maybe the hoses that connect to the master cylinder but it looks ok.
I may have to put it up on a rack and look at it. I just hope it's not in the tunnel. I will look some more.

Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:01 pm

Check the master where the pedal rod goes into it. If a leak there, it will drop down into the double wall in front of the pedals.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 3:10 am

You may also want to peel back the rubber mat or carpet on the driver's side and check along the tunnel where the rear brake line runs.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 5:20 am

I will check that today. Hope I don't have to change the master cylinder. I changed one on a 72 I had. It was not fun. It may be something like that. Thanks for the suggestions.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 6:56 am

jrob83046 wrote: I will check that today. Hope I don't have to change the master cylinder. I changed one on a 72 I had. It was not fun. It may be something like that. Thanks for the suggestions.
Unfortunately, that's pretty much the most common place for any master cylinder to leak once the seals start to go -- have seen it occur in multiple makes and models over the years. In VW Beetle, it will leak into that hollow "Napoleon's hat" area of the chassis, as mentioned by others above. Look for wet spots or dripping on bottom of the car, just forward of front edge of the floor pan. If it leaks long enough, brake fluid can eventually make its way into the main tunnel area as well.

Fri Aug 15, 2025 9:57 pm

You'll have to figure out a way to wash out the brake fluid and then redo the rust proofing as the paint will probably have all lifted.

Damhik.

Sat Aug 16, 2025 1:54 am

I had the same problem last month on a Beetle, and it was frustrating that the leak was not obvious, and I was dreading the thought of it being in the front chassis from the Master Cylinder. Mine ended up being both rear wheel cylinders, the fluid was all under the rubber piston cover dust cap, those caps hold a lot of fluid. I think it is worth removing all drums and peeling them back, you might find the same.
Good Luck.
Tony