Brake Fluid Leak below Master Cylinderq

[berrybender]

'92 SHO MTX - After taking the car off the road and having it sit outside for 4-5 years, 60 deg today so I decided today to start it up and take it up and down the block. Brake pedal felt spongy, sinking to the floor, so I checked, and yes the fluid was low. Added fluid and still spongy, then noticed trail of brake fluid dripping from frame just below the MC. The leak is not from the MC or its fittings, but from what looks like a block that the lines go into just below the MC on the fender wall. Very poor visibility to see where the leak is, but I can feel it with my hands.

Last time the car was driven (2009 or so) the brakes were fine, so this is a new problem likely caused by non-use and exposure to the elements

Question - what is that piece of the braking system and what is the best way to get at it?

- Ken

 

[berrybender]

Is that the ABS block? Is so, how hard to find replacement? Also, is there a standard kit of some kind that includes brake lines?

 

[beaudeen]

Here ya go...

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=99487&highlight=abs+brake+line+bundle

 

[rubydist]

also check the cruise control disengage switch which is on the bottom side of the master cylinder - that is the one that had the recall for fire potential due to leaks.

 

[sperold]

Shonut (on this forum, look for advertisement) sells stainless steel replacement lines. Every line on your car is available pre-bent, and with the correct fittings. Something tells me they are about $18.00 a line, which is a lot until you remember you will never have to worry about it again.

 

[hawkeye18]

also check the cruise control disengage switch which is on the bottom side of the master cylinder - that is the one that had the recall for fire potential due to leaks.

FWIW that is only on ATX vehicles. MTX vehicles don't have that switch.

I think what OP is referring to is the brake distribution block (AKA the Octopus).

 

[berrybender]

Yep - the brake distribution block is where it seems to be coming from.

Is that part available from any of the vendors or is this going to be a junkyard hunt? I think I read somewhere that Sables used the same block.

Ken

 

[TimboSHO]

Yep - the brake distribution block is where it seems to be coming from.

Is that part available from any of the vendors or is this going to be a junkyard hunt? I think I read somewhere that Sables used the same block.

Ken

Yes, but it's likely not the block itself, it's probably a line right near the block. Then when you are trying to get the lines off the block, you will also break them all.

So, it's either order some from SHOnut, or bend your own. Maybe try and determine weather you need that block as well (I'm sure that would be a junkyard item).

 

[hawkeye18]

Yes, but it's likely not the block itself, it's probably a line right near the block. Then when you are trying to get the lines off the block, you will also break them all.

So, it's either order some from SHOnut, or bend your own. Maybe try and determine weather you need that block as well (I'm sure that would be a junkyard item).

This. That block will last a thousand years. It's a solid chunk of steel. The lines that connect to it, however...

My wife's '94 ATX had a line explode right next to the octopus while I was out to sea; it cost about $700 to redo every hard line in the vehicle. Not money I wanted to spend, but I'm not going to f*** around with brake lines. I'm getting too old for that crap.

 

[sperold]

On my 90, I actually had to get another block. The block has threaded inserts much like a heli-coil to receive the brake line male connector. That insert spun out instead of the brake line connector only, and it was not repairable. I had to get one from a wrecking yard and it came from a Lincoln.
Do this repair yourself... it will cost too much at a shop.

This thread has the info on Shonut and pictures as well :
http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=93524