Brake Fluid Leak

Aloha, my '02 that I just purchased in September has now produced a leak, appears to be brake fluid. Took it to two repair shops, first one was a trusted mechanic that said need to replace the entire module, part approx. $3000 and it's a job he can't do. Second mechanic said pretty much the same thing, except his part would cost $4200, labor approx $200. From what I see they are telling me to replace the entire "module", not sure if they mean the master cylinder. Looks like the part is expensive, replacement job not that difficult. Any thoughts on not using OEM parts? Just replaced the starter, battery, bought new tires, and running boards. I want to fix her, but that's a lot of money to invest. Question is, can I still run her and what signs should I be looking for? I check the brake fluid daily, it's not dropping noticeably, but I do see the stains in the garage.

 

A quick Google search will show you a master cylinder for an 02 4runner doesn't cost 3k. I believe your the same person who posted about a bad head gasket. I would definitely think about how much money you wanna dump into this 4runner. No point in fixing the brakes if it has a bad head gasket. I would not drive it at all until the brakes are fixed. Leaking brake fluid is a bad deal.

 

No, I didn't post about a bad head gasket. They didn't say master cylinder, they said "module", the brains of the engine, but I didn't have a clear understanding of what they are talking about. Unfortunately there are not too many good mechanics where I live, being on an island limits the places I can drive to. Thank you

 

It's prolly the abs pump/module. Still not 3k to get a new one. Sorry for the confusion.

 

Thanks, one quote was $4200, another $3000 just for parts. I live on an island, not too much choices for mechanics here. How do you feel about after-market modules?

 

I have a 98 and the master cylinder/abs pump is different than the 01-02 4runners because they have VSC/TRAC. I'm no expert by any means on how they work. From what I know the abs pump is mounted to the master cylinder. If it were mine I would probably just buy a whole new master cylinder and replace everything as one unit. I don't know how hard it is to replace just the abs pump. Somebody with more knowledge on this may be able to chime in. How many miles on the 4runner? There are quite a few used factory ones on eBay for 400-500 bucks.

 

She has only 132,000 miles, and you are right I have the vsc/trac. Maybe that's why I'm getting the high prices on the parts because they are looking at replacing the master cylinder as well. Thanks for the info, appreciate the feedback.

 

Where is it leaking...and is it clear, red or brown...about the extent of fluid colors?

 

Fluid was light greenish. The leak can be seen inside the front driverside tire, pretty much right below the brake fluid reservoir. We realized the reservoir had been filled above the Max line, so we removed some of the fluid to bring it down. Since last night there were about 2 quarter size drops on the garage floor, considerably less than what we were experiencing. However the VSC lights are still on. I can't believe that two mechanics wanted me to replace the abs module and the master cylinder ($4000+) because of an overfilled brake fluid reservoir, so I'm thinking there's still something else going on.

 

I have yet to see a light greenish brake fluid...is it possible it's anti-freeze coming from a water pump seep hole indicating the water pump bearing and seal is going? Can it be the over flow after you shut off the hot engine running out the over flow tube...it just doesn't seem like a caliper or wheel cylinder leak...light greenish seems more like anti-freeze?

 

This might help a little.

Still not sure why its green you might have more than one problem.

 

That's what the mechanics have been telling me, I have to replace the ASB and Master Cylinder, for $4k; however, ever since we removed some of the brake fluid and brought the level to below the "max" line in the reservoir, there is no leak. I'm thinking the previous owner topped off all fluids before I bought her (in September), without realizing the 3rd gens need to have the brakes pumped (while engine is off) approx 40 times before topping it off. I'm hoping I just saved myself $4k, but time will tell. So far brakes seem good and no leaks. Here's a pic of some of the brake fluid we removed;

 

That does not look good at all, have you flushed it out?

 

No, that was next on the list to do, wanted to monitor the leak for a few more days first.

 

Yep...Your right...that is..or looks like greenish brake fluid??? I would flush it like the other guys suggest and put Toyota brake fluid in and see how it goes. Sorry I was no help what so ever. These post are awesome but it's kind of like being a doctor and trying to diagnose from an e-mail...I'll be much more careful in my future posts as to not waste others time...Happy New Year!!!

 

I think you have a caliper leaking in the front tire. There are 4 cylinders on each caliper. You can get an AM caliper for $100.

A good mechanic can replace the brake caliper and bleed the entire system. Don't try to rebuild it yourself. Buy a rebuilt one.

$61 A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Compatible with Select Toyota Models - Sequoia 2001-2007, Tundra 2000-2006 - Front Driver Side; 4Runner 2003-2005 - Front Passenger Side; Fit with Casting #13WL

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Cali...5------------&vehicleName=2005+Toyota+4Runner