Brake Fluid Leak?

[mhachar]

I have a 2000 Carrera 4 Cab with only 8000 miles on it. I drove it around for about an hour realized the brake pedal feel was very soft and stopping power was reduced substantially. Sure enough the brake fluid light turned on. So I stopped at my local auto store and sure enough the brake fluid level was very low. I filled up the fluid and the light turned off. Once I put in the fluid the brakes were better but nowhere near 100% after another hour or so of driving the light turned back on again so i figured there was some sort of leak.

Long story short, When i push the brake in there is an air sucking sound around the fluid reservoir found under the front bonnet. After this sucking sound there is a leak of about an half ounce of brake fluid from a box where there lines connect. Can someone fill me on what this may be and if it is in fact an easy repair or maybe even a DIY. I have attached a photo of the box that is leaking.

[RFM]

It is the ABS hydraulic unit, if the fluid comes out on the body part and not the lines connectors, a replacement is needed. It is dangerous to drive with, keep the fluid level always on top and drive to the dealer or better use a flat bed trailer.

[mhachar]

It is the ABS hydraulic unit, if the fluid comes out on the body part and not the lines connectors, a replacement is needed. It is dangerous to drive with, keep the fluid level always on top and drive to the dealer or better use a flat bed trailer.

Thank you very much for the quick response....I will take to the dealer as soon as possible

[mhachar]

I have a 2000 Carrera 4 Cab with only 8000 miles on it. I drove it around for about an hour realized the brake pedal feel was very soft and stopping power was reduced substantially. Sure enough the brake fluid light turned on. So I stopped at my local auto store and sure enough the brake fluid level was very low. I filled up the fluid and the light turned off. Once I put in the fluid the brakes were better but nowhere near 100% after another hour or so of driving the light turned back on again so i figured there was some sort of leak.

Long story short, When i push the brake in there is an air sucking sound around the fluid reservoir found under the front bonnet. After this sucking sound there is a leak of about an half ounce of brake fluid from a box where there lines connect. Can someone fill me on what this may be and if it is in fact an easy repair or maybe even a DIY. I have attached a photo of the box that is leaking.

OK so I spoke with my dealer and apparantly the repair will cost $3000 USD to fix, it seems like it would be such an easy fix if I could just understand how this unit works. What would be a catalyst that would cause the ABS hydraulic unit to be over-pressurized and leka fluid out of this tiny little hole. It seems like there is not enough pressure going to the brakes, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Loren]

That ABS block is about $1700 US MSRP - so that is about half the cost.

The design changed so there will need to be some other parts replaced too. Lines and some fittings as I recall.

You try to convince the dealer that a problem like this should not happen after only 8000 miles regardless of the car's age.

Maybe he will give you the parts at his cost - if you pay the labor?

[wvicary]

Replacement is the only repair. If the dealer won't offer and help because of the low milage, search for a used part and get it fitted by an independent garage.

[mhachar]

Replacement is the only repair. If the dealer won't offer and help because of the low milage, search for a used part and get it fitted by an independent garage.

Great, I have an appointment tommorow to have the car looked at. I will keep you posted on how everything goes.

[lost it]

Replacement is the only repair. If the dealer won't offer and help because of the low milage, search for a used part and get it fitted by an independent garage.

Great, I have an appointment tommorow to have the car looked at. I will keep you posted on how everything goes.

Hi

How old is your car, i just had to replace the hydraulic unit on my car as well (996 98),,, 25ksek i dont know what the conversion is

maybe we will see a spate of these in cars this old now.. Mine failed during a drive through the french alps, took a month to get it back from there and another 2 weeks to get fixed :(

Its an easy fix just the part is so **** expensive, i was wondering if you can get it direct from bosch cheaper then through porsche, but couldnt find the original bosch part number.

Mine spewed fluid all over the luggage compartment and stripped half the paint off and was a bugger to get out of the carpets, but now its back and everyone is happy, especially since the financial controller has agreed to an upgrade now :P

[mhachar]

Replacement is the only repair. If the dealer won't offer and help because of the low milage, search for a used part and get it fitted by an independent garage.

Great, I have an appointment tommorow to have the car looked at. I will keep you posted on how everything goes.

Hi

How old is your car, i just had to replace the hydraulic unit on my car as well (996 98),,, 25ksek i dont know what the conversion is

maybe we will see a spate of these in cars this old now.. Mine failed during a drive through the french alps, took a month to get it back from there and another 2 weeks to get fixed :(

Its an easy fix just the part is so **** expensive, i was wondering if you can get it direct from bosch cheaper then through porsche, but couldnt find the original bosch part number.

Mine spewed fluid all over the luggage compartment and stripped half the paint off and was a bugger to get out of the carpets, but now its back and everyone is happy, especially since the financial controller has agreed to an upgrade now :P

Hi, I am sorry to hear that you had the same problem as me...It is quite irritating, its these times when I wish I had an extended warranty. My car is a 2000 and it only has 8900 miles on it. I took it to the dealer and they quoted me $3200 to have it fixed in a day, but I happened to find the exact part used for $700, so I am going to buy that and try to switch it out myself or take it to an independent shop. I hope the used part works well I don't know much about the background of the vehicle it came off of. But we will see how it goes, I hope to have it in within the next 4-5 days.

My problem is identical to yours. It has spewed fluid all over the luggage compartment and my black paint is beginning to turn orange. I didn't even think about what will happen to the carpets, but I can't wait to get it fixed so I can take the car for a proper drive.

[mhachar]

This morning I check underneath the spare tire in the luggage compartment for brake fluid that has accumulated since the ABS unit has been malfunctioning and there is about 2 liters of brake fluid swimming around in the luggage compartment. I know this fluid is damaging to the paint, I have soaked up most of the excess fluid and would like to know what is the best way to fully rid the compartment of this fluid. Maybe a fan blowing into the compartment, or should I just continue to soak up the fluid with paper towels?? Any ideas would help. THanks in advance.

[Loren]

Remove a drain plug and clean with soap and water.

[mhachar]

Remove a drain plug and clean with soap and water.

Much appreciated.