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Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?)
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balzac
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 9:26 am    Post subject: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

I've been too sick to drive for a while, so the Transporter's just been sitting. I replaced the BMC and front calipers last year, but found a brake fluid leak in the footwell recently. It looks like it might be coming from the pressure switches, which I reused when I installed the new reservoir. After wiping everything down and letting it leak again, the fluid seems to only be on the wires from the pressure switches. It's as if it's leaking THROUGH the switches and not around the threads.
Is this a problem other people have had or am I an idiot? Question
Thanks!
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bobhill8 Premium Member
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 9:38 am    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

It's a pretty common leak, often in winter. I have had it several times.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8376878

This is one of several threads that discuss it.
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MarkWard
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 9:39 am    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

Seen it. You can replace the switches with the master installed and if you are careful, you can get away without bleeding the brakes. The cluster needs to come out though. Do one at a time. Have it ready and apply the slightest pressure to the pedal as you screw in the replacement switch.

The resevoir grommets will leak in cold weather when they get old too. Probably not the problem since your master is new.


edit: have a few rags stuffed under the master to catch the mess.
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scotty timmerman
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:01 am    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

I deleted my pressure switches and installed a switch at the pedal. will never leak again and brake lights come on immediately when the brake pedal is pressed. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=788553&highlight=
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:04 am    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

I had one of the switches on my '91 actually catch fire last year due to a leak through the switch. I bought new ATE switches and replaced the old originals on my entire fleet of aged VWs. When buying brake switches verify how many prongs yours have as Vanagons used both 2 prong and 3 prong switches.
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Ahwahnee
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 3:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

MarkWard wrote:
Seen it. You can replace the switches with the master installed and if you are careful, you can get away without bleeding the brakes. The cluster needs to come out though...


You should be able to replace them by just disconnecting the speedo cable and swinging the cluster out of the way.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I've never had to bleed after the swap, just a couple of drops come out and no air gets in.
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balzac
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 6:46 pm    Post subject: Re: Brake fluid in footwell (bad pressure switches?) Reply with quote

Thanks for the confirmation! Hopefully I'll have the energy to replace the switches soon.
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