Do I need new brake reservoirs?

dcdoug · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010, 07:30 PM

I noticed tonight that I seem to have some seepage of brake fluid that is eating up the coating on the brake reservoirs. I haven't actually seen any fluid, nor has it ever been wet, but obviously there has been some. The caps have never even been off of them (had the car a bit less than a year).

Do I need to replace the reservoirs? Any way to clean it up?

kris-kincaid · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 04:00 AM

Thats normal. The paint used is very sensitive to brake fluid. There is a local powder coater I use that has a black powder coat that isn't affected by brake fluid. I've had them coat several cars and the cans stay looking great for years.

Other than recoating them, there isn't much you can do. New cans will do the same thing as soon as any fluid touches the paint.

601HP · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 04:41 AM

I occasionally had the same problem. Until recently I always kept the cans nearly full.

This spring I made up 3 new cans and powder coated them. I'm keeping them about 1/2 full of fluid. I'm guessing they'll be less likely to slosh fluid from around the cap's rubber gasket.

I've driven about 300 miles this year and so far haven't seen brake fluid escaping. Time will tell!

David

priobe · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 05:45 AM

I have had the same problem. However, I am noticing now fluid on the tops of the canister. I am afraid this will eventually get on the paint of the car and damage it.

I am thing of (1) using plastic canisters, or (2) by the aluminum canisters from Kirkham.

Any other suggestions

Brake fluid is some nasty stuff

dcdoug · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 06:16 AM

If I replace the cans, what is the best permanent fix? Which cans? I guess it makes sense to buy new cans, get them powder coated and then replace. Thoughts?

601HP · #6 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 06:42 AM

I used PVC glue cans purchased at Home Depot. The Girling lids will screw onto them.

I bought the new cans to replace my original two large Girling cans. One of those original cans was dual function with dual lines. I prefer the look of the triple small cans.

You can strip the paint off your existing cans and have them powder coated.

David

dcdoug · #7 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 06:59 AM

Sounds like a much better route than the cool, but expensive Kirkham billet reservoirs. Plus I'd paint them anyway....

Anyway to get a better seal between the lids and the cans so they don't leak in the first place?

FIA-ERA · #8 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 07:17 AM

Yep, I used the same cans for HD. The only comments I have are to use less fluid in them and wipe down everything after you fill them, threads too. Mine have 300 miles on them and I still had a little residue and they ate away my paint. The Kirkhams can are really the stuff and they work very well but the added costs are two much for me. I think Pegasus racing had some other alternatives BUT they didn't have the same "original" look as the cans. In racing we used to zip tie rags around them too but for the street that looks ugly. I'm OK with mine not just perfect but I need to shield mine more from the heat! Good luck! Matt

FIA-ERA · #9 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 07:20 AM

I ended up making my own seals a little larger than the seals I got, cut a U shape slit in them away from the center cap hole, then stuffed the seal into the cap. The result was a tighter fit but as I stated I left residue on the threads and when that got hot it ran down and stated eating paint.

Bernica · #10 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 07:53 AM

I finally said "enough!" and went with the Kirkham cans. Didn't use their bracket. I will powder coat the old ones and buy the Girling labels for them for later. But, for everyday driving and use you can't beat his cans. the added benefit is that they come with Willwood caps and I can use my Power Bleeder without worrying about blowing up the tin cans! I can change out my brake / clutch fluids in about 10-15 minutes max!! Sometimes, for me anyways, modern technology can be a good thing....

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 08:59 AM

Yup, same problem for years on my Austin Healey, I tried everything (except powder coating, nice tip Kris). Being EVER SO careful, whatever, the paint would peel. Somehow that dang brake fluid will find it's way to the canister, no matter what.

Tom Kirkham · #12 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 09:23 AM

You can also buy from Wilwood plastic lids that have a billow inside the lid. These lids work very well.

Something else to consider is the rust that forms inside the steel cans...

mdross1 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 09:34 AM

When I first built my car and wanted to keep it as original as possible,the cans and mounts just seemed to inadequate.So went the Willwood plastic res.makes me feel more confident about not losing brake fluid.

Bernica · #14 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

You can also buy from Wilwood plastic lids that have a billow inside the lid. These lids work very well.

Something else to consider is the rust that forms inside the steel cans...

Tom's right. The rusty fluid was probably my main motivator. Now it's always clean and clear....

FIA-ERA · #15 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 10:32 AM

AH if there was only a "group buy" for these cans from Kirkham! I think there was once before but I missed that boat a while back. Bueller... Bueller...

dcdoug · #16 (**permalink**) 06-17-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIA-ERA

AH if there was only a "group buy" for these cans from Kirkham! I think there was once before but I missed that boat a while back. Bueller... Bueller...

I'd probably be in if there was a group buy.....

Are the Kirkham cans the same dimension as the originals? Will Girling lids fit them? I assume there is no issue with powder coating them?