How To Troubleshoot Brake Fluid Leaking From Rear Wheel?

You never want to experience unwanted brake failures while you’re driving. We know this would be very frightening for every car owner. And the concerns become more extreme when brake fluid leaks from the rear wheel. 

Why might you notice the brake fluid leaking from the rear wheel of your vehicle? Your car’s rear wheel can leak brake fluid for various causes, including faulty brake lines, a loose bleeder valve, or defective brake calipers. Finding the source is key to fixing it.

We care about your vehicle and you as well. In the next part of this blog, you will have a compact idea of how you can solve the brake fluid leakage issue of the rear wheel.

What Causes Brake Fluid Leaking From Rear Wheel?

No worries! This is one of the most common issues car owners have to deal with, no matter how careful they are with their vehicles. 

As the braking system of any car involves too many components, even if one malfunctions, it might cause the brake fluid to leak. 

Cause 1: Damaged Brake Lines

How can we ever expect the brake fluid not to leak if our vehicles’ brake line is damaged? A brake line plays a role in connecting the fluid system to the calipers. 

And, if the brake line becomes damaged or defective, the brake fluid leakage from the rear wheel occurs. Moreover, the brake fluid comes out due to excessive rust on the brake line.

You must first carefully inspect the fuel line. If you find any corrosion or extreme rust, you should replace the brake line. In most cases, the brake line might be completely broken.

Cause 2: Faulty Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir

Most probably, the master cylinder in your vehicle is made of plastic. And this is the reason why it can’t create resistance against extreme heat. Therefore, the master cylinder reservoir might probably be broken in most circumstances.

And if this happens, you will find the brake fluid coming out. You will find the master cylinder reservation near the engine compartment of your vehicle.

The solution to this particular issue is pretty straightforward. Here, you just need to check the master cylinder reservoir carefully, and if this component is extremely broken, you should replace it with a new one.

Learn how you can replace the master cylinder from “Scotty Kilmer.”

If you want to repair the master cylinder, you can do so. However, it won’t provide you with any long-term benefits. So, it’s better to go with the replacement. 

Read Also: Does Brake Fluid Leak When Car Is Off? Explained

Cause 3: Defective or Loose Bleeder Valve

You can bleed your vehicle’s brake with the help of the brake bleeder valve. In other words, the particular component can let you escape the air from the brake line. 

So, without any confusion, this is another crucial braking system component. 

And, if the bleeder valve becomes too loose or cracked, it causes the brake fuel to come out from the rear wheel. Due to this, you won’t be able to break safely.

The best solution, in this case, is to check whether the bleeder valve becomes loose. And if the bleeder becomes loose, you should tighten it. 

Additionally, if you notice the bleeder valve is damaged, you should replace it without a second thought.

Cause 4: Damaged Piston Seal

Most of the braking system’s crucial components work with a piston’s help. And you’ll find a seal in the piston, which needs to be in good condition to ensure enough fluid. 

But, due to regular wear and tear, the seal of the piston can become damaged. And this ultimately results in brake fluid coming out from the rear wheel. 

In this case, it will be way better if you can replace the piston seal. And make sure you check the piston seal at regular intervals.

Read Also: What Causes Brake Fluid Leaking From Caliper Bolt?(Fix Now) 

Cause 5: Faulty Brake Caliper

The brake caliper is the part that is used the most frequently in a braking system. Due to excessive corrosion, the brake caliper becomes damaged as well. And most often, you might see a broken brake caliper, which is more than enough to cause brake fluid leakage. 

If the brake caliper is broken, experts recommend rebuilding the brake caliper if you are okay with spending a good amount of money. Moreover, what you need to do is to replace the broken caliper.

How Do You Avoid Brake Fluid Leaking on Your Vehicle?

Avoiding brake fluid leakage is nothing impossible. If you are careful enough with your vehicle and ensure regular maintenance, you can eliminate brake fluid leakage issues on your vehicle. 

For example, as you can see, in most cases, damaged or worn-out seals often cause braking fluid leakage. If you go through a regular check of these seals, you can replace them at the right time and reduce the chances of brake fluid leaking. 

Additionally, if any of the braking systems seem to be malfunctioning, make sure you inspect the component immediately. If replacement is needed, do so.

You should take the vehicle to a certified mechanic as soon as possible to have the brake fluid leak inspected and repaired.

Besides, You should also ensure that you are using the correct type of brake fluid for your vehicle, as different types of brake fluids can cause damage to the system.

Read Also: Brake Fluid Leaking Under Middle of Car | What to Check? 

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, it’s time to know what other people mostly ask when dealing with brake fluid leakage from the rear wheel. You may find interest in these questions as well. 

Can I Drive With a Leaking Rear Wheel Cylinder?

No, you shouldn’t drive with a leaking wheel cylinder. If there is leakage in the rear wheel cylinder, it can severely affect the whole braking system.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Brake Fluid Leaking From the Rear Wheel?

It depends on what components cause the problem here. You must spend approximately $450-$550 to fix the master cylinder leakage. Regarding brake caliper leakage, the cost would be around $600-$700. Overall, anything between $100-$700.

Do I Need to Remove the Piston While Replacing the Brake Caliper?

Yes, you need to remove the piston while replacing the brake caliper of your vehicle. When you add a new brake caliper, you must place the piston again in the right position.

Can You Fix the Brake Fluid Leaking Yourself?

You can if you have prior knowledge about your vehicle’s braking system. If not, it is always recommended to check and fix the issue with an expert technician.

Final Words

If the brake fluid leak is not repaired, it could result in costly repairs and potentially lead to a dangerous accident. So, you should never take this issue lightly. Instead, take the necessary measures immediately when you notice brake fluid leaking from the rear wheel. 

To ensure proper brake performance, the components involved in the braking system must function properly. Sometimes, repairing the damaged components only provides you with some benefits for a short time. In this sense, it’s better to replace the components.