[marvinalone]

I went out on the track for a 25 minute session on a warm, but not hot day. When I came in I saw that the front calipers were leaking fluid out of the bleeder valve. It wasn't a lot of fluid, there was no measurable difference in the fluid level of the reservoir, and the pedal felt fine while I was out. Brake distribution may have been messed up, but it was hard to tell because I made a mistake setting up tire pressures that made the car handle weird the entire session. Before I drove home, I bled the front brakes. Opening the bleeder valve was as hard as ever; It definitely didn't feel like it got loose.

I haven't had a chance yet to check the rears. They may have the same problem.

Is this normal, or is it the symptom of a deeper problem?

 

[apk919]

I went out on the track for a 25 minute session on a warm, but not hot day. When I came in I saw that the front calipers were leaking fluid out of the bleeder valve. It wasn't a lot of fluid, there was no measurable difference in the fluid level of the reservoir, and the pedal felt fine while I was out. Brake distribution may have been messed up, but it was hard to tell because I made a mistake setting up tire pressures that made the car handle weird the entire session. Before I drove home, I bled the front brakes. Opening the bleeder valve was as hard as ever; It definitely didn't feel like it got loose.

I haven't had a chance yet to check the rears. They may have the same problem.

Is this normal, or is it the symptom of a deeper problem?

OK, a couple of questions...

Do you have the rubber dust caps on the bleed nipples?

Is the leak coming from the bleed nipple, or from the threads of the bleed screw?

 

[polojcp]

Very interesting, I like to know more too.

Anyone changed the bleed screw?

 

[luxige]

I'd like to install these:

Speed Bleeder Automotive Bleeder Screw

...but I don't know the size(s) to get. Anyone?

 

[macdady2424]

I'd like to install these:

Speed Bleeder Automotive Bleeder Screw

...but I don't know the size(s) to get. Anyone?

I installed those in my Dad's 300zx after doing the last brake job. So far they seem fine on his car. Was thinking about it for the lotus, but like you said, I have no idea what size.

 

[marvinalone]

OK, a couple of questions...

Do you have the rubber dust caps on the bleed nipples?

Is the leak coming from the bleed nipple, or from the threads of the bleed screw?

I do have the rubber caps.

I'm not sure if it came from the threads or the nipple. That would have been a smart thing to look for. Looking at it now, more than a week later, it's hard to be sure, but I'd guess it's the threads.

Does that mean new bleeder screws?

 

[Cthulhu]

No... it is not normal to lose brake fluid, it's quite abnormal...

No rubber caps on my nipples

Loosen and retighten. Confirm source of leak is the bleed nipple. If problem persists, clean threads, check for missing o-rings (if there are any). If problem persists, maybe it's your bleed nipple. If you boiled your brake fluid, you would have noticed a lot of fade, and I think your pedal would be really spongy until you bled the hell out of the system.

 

[davecarama]

I looked into the speed bleeders, there are the part numbers on this site somewhere, or you could just call them.

My fave method is using a motive bleeder (dry/no fluid inside it), connect it to the master cylinder, pump it up about haf way and open the valve you want blead, shut it when it slows down, and repeat.

To marvinalone :
Go on the speed bleeder site and they have thread sealant. You paint it on the nipple threads, cook it in the oven for a few minutes, let it cool, then re-install and bleed. No more fluid seaping out of your threads.