Front Caliper Leak?

[Robbocop33]

I would expect brake fluud to either leak from a brake hose,burst caliper piston seal or bleed nipple.

But when replacing discs and pads i noticed fluid coming down from the spring where the handbrake mechanism/lever is?(before i fitted disc/pads on that side)

Is this a common place for a leak on these?I'm guessing instead of mucking around rebuilding it putting a new seal or whatever in there i'd be as well buying a used caliper?Thanks.

[paul.h]

If it is definately brake fluid then another caliper may be best. The handbrakes can seize on these and using a penetrating fluid is common so you need to be sure a previous owner has not done this. When replacing the caliper you need to follow procedures so the handbrake works - these topics may help

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/15045-seized-caliper-fix/

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/7552-replacing-front-brake-pads-c5-to-2008/

http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/6901-c5-bleeding-brakes-and-replacing-front-brake-caliper/

[ESL57]

If you are not losing much fluid and the caliper is working I would just keep an eye on it ATM.

[Robbocop33]

I've not really had car long enough to judge fluid loss,brakes are perfect though eitherwise.I wiped caliper dry,drove it about 5 miles and caliper is still dry?I'll check it again tomorrow.

I've ordered a used caliper anyway just incase as i've got an mot in a week,like being prepared for mot's. ;-)

[paul.h]

Before the MOT raise the suspension to max height and wipe the front suspension struts in case there is a slight mist of oil on them. This is normal but if you do not use a Citroen specialist/dealer for the MOT it could be given a fail.

[Robbocop33]

Been there done that!Did notice that while working on the brakes.It had been, by looking at it a 'very' fine mist,just slightly darker looking than the rest of the strut,not soaked,thanks for that anyway! ;-)

[Robbocop33]

So,just as a matter of interest has anyone rebuilt one if these calipers or had this particular leak and solved it?

I'd like to know how it physically leaks from there?There must be a dust seal then a main seal one below that that's jiggered?Never seen anything in a rebuild kit to accomodate anything more than piston seals,slider rubbers etc.

[ESL57]

1. No there is nothing in a rebuild kit for that pinion. Shaft seal and dust washer as you say. They may rebuild this at places like Brake Engineering who sell recons. Is it possible that a PO has doused it to try freeing the handbrake pinion off?  I know I just done it on mine last week.

[Robbocop33]

I actually thought maybe 'i' had dowsed it in releasing fluid just by habit when i was scrambling under the car last week cleaning oil off places,but no,i kept wiping it and it kept coming back! :-(
Got second hand caliper yesterday,fitted it just now.
Only problem i had was i had to slacken handbrake cable off a tad so it would reach handbrake lever on new caliper,tightened up cable again once fitted now everything's fine!

[paul.h]

At least you do not need to worry about the brakes now.

 

You probably did this  but as a reminder to others, the brake pedal should be used to adjust the caliper/pads before the handbrake cable is connected to the caliper lever. The lever should be against the stop with the handbrake off.

[Robbocop33]

Yes i'd done a fair bit of reading before doing the job,went fairly well.Setup pads to disc first then connected handbrake.

It was slightly weird cable wouldn't reach new caliper lever?Head scratcher that one!;-)

[coastline taxis]

you need to slacken the handbrake cable off ( remove rear ashtray and youl see a 13mm nut) to adjust/set these handbrakes up properly

 

Raise both front wheels of the ground

Slacking the handbrake cable right off

pull handbrake lever on 5 notches

tighten handbrake cable until both front wheels lock.

 

weve had cars in were the handbrake only has 3 notches on them and can result in wheel drag and the calliper overheating and binding on

[Robbocop33]

Yes i set up pads to disc first,slackened off cable etc.A bit worried what you're saying about the three clicks.Since i've had car its had one firm click,and the handbrake works perfectly.

I think i'll slacken it off even more than it was originally.

[paul.h]

If the caliper lever is against its stop and there is a slight bit of slack in the cable when the handbrake is off then it should be ok. I have found that on the first click the handbrake will be just starting to slow the wheel if spun but then needs pulling on more to prevent the wheel turning.

 

Problems often occur on handbrakes when adjusters are not working so the cable is tightened to compensate but this in itself can prevent an adjuster working.