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Thread: Brake fluid always down around min mark...

  1. #1
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    Brake fluid always down around min mark...

    I keep filling the brake fluid only to have it quickly return just above the min mark... but never any lower. I see what I presume to be an overflow hose (blue, fabric wrapped) on the reservoir but its plumbed in way lower that Id expect it- about halfway bt min and max. I can easily see how the level would end up where it is. Can someone school me as to its function? Might i be missing a check valve or ?

    IMG_6165.JPG

  2. #2
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    Clutch line. Check your clutch master cylinder behind your clutch pedal. It may be leaking.

  3. #3
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Yep, there's a leak somewhere in the clutch system. That blue hose runs to the clutch master which sits at the top of the clutch pedal. From there it comes back out via a hard line down the firewall. Next is a soft line to the slave cylinder on the transmission. The slave is the end of the line.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Be aware you can't get the same blue hose anymore. The replacement is gray colored.
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  4. #4
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    Thanks fellas. Clutch master is viewed from the passenger compartment yes? Where is hard line that goes thru the firewall best seen?

  5. #5
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Master is in passenger compartment. The rest is best seen from underneath the car.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  6. #6
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    Appears the master is leaking from the top. I see dampness above the fluid line connection.

    IMG_6320.JPGIMG_6321.JPG

  7. #7
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Master is the PITA one. I'd recommend replacing soft line and slave at same time.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  8. #8
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    I ordered master soft line nipple and grommet but not slave. Can the hard line at the back of the master not be unfastened at the master instead of at the fire wall?


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  9. #9
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    Brake fluid always down around min mark...

    Not sure if this is common practice but I found it possible to pull the hard line into the cabin fat enough to dis/reconnect it to the master without working under the car.

    Mess on the carpet is from the prior leak not the removal/replacement.

    IMG_6683.jpg

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