Brakes question

[Funcar]

I just brought my 73 spider home from storage. I had just gotten the car certified a few day before I put it in storage so had only driven about 100 miles. I had completely rebuilt the brakes. This included having a mechanic replace the metal brake line on the front driver side. During my first few drives I hit the brakes to make sure they worked and was happy that I could lock up all 4 wheels.

When I picked the car up the left reservoir was empty. I have the dual reservoir. The other was still full. I am pretty sure this one supplies the front brakes. I can't see where the brake fluid leaked out? I tightened the connections at the caliper and the metal line. I have pumped the brakes after filling the reservoir to look for the leak. Nothing leaks out. Do I now proceed with the normal bleeding procedure or is there something else I can do first?

[kilrwail]

Check for a leak under the master cylinder and along the frame rail under it. The fluid might end up running down the LF control arm and pooling on the floor inside the tire. Mine did - a new M/C was required.

[RRoller123]

That is exactly what recently happened to mine as well, with the same drip locations, inside of wheel rim too.

[Funcar]

Thanks you guys ...much appreciated...but I'm sorry to join your misey/love of our spiders!

I did think that would be the problem. Have been reading some threads about the enjoyment of making the swap. Ok as a non mechanical but love to DIYS guy will give it a go.

Wish Russ from AZ lived in the neighborhood!

[nelsonj]

I had two issues. First, I had a rear cylinder on the caliper start leaking, badly. It left a puddle behind the passenger wheel and my reservoir low. I got a rebuild kit (basically just new o-rings), and while it was a task, it has worked great since the rebuild.

Next - my M/C went bad. I never could figure out where the break fluid went - perhaps in the wheel well. Anyway, I replaced the M/C and it completely solved the problem.

Good luck.

(Aside - speaking of brake misery. I have a co-worker/friend with a Porsche 356 that's been in the family since new. It has four wheel drums and he is constantly, I mean constantly, having brake issues. He is somewhat amazed our Spiders have 4-wheel disks, and really wishes he had it so good. It is a nice feature on our car, and they really aren't that bad of a maintenance issue. Plus, new disks are really, really affordable.)


Peace.
Out.