Can brake fluid evaporate?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Betty the Bay, Aug 1, 2020.

  1. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    My son wants the Herald that's been languishing in a garage for the last 8 years.
    Both brake and clutch master cylinder reservoirs are drained and there is a slick of fluid under the car below the engine.
    The clutch master cylinder is old and its obvious that its been leaking as it done a great job.of stripping off the paint.
    However, there's no similar damage to the paint around the brake master cylinder and no obvious signs of a leak a rear brake cylinders or front calipers...........hence the questions in the thread title.
     
  2. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    I would say it's leaked somewhere. I have dug old cars out of fields after many years with a full pot of brake fluid. I would guess one of the Steel lines has rusted through in a place that you can't see..
     
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  3. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    Rust......on a 53 year old British car !
    Think you're clutching at straws there....as if !
     
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  4. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Yes it does evaporate but it has to leak out to present a large surface area first.

    Get a decent brake pipe flaring kit and replace hard and flexi lines, and probably all the rubber in the cylinders.
     
  5. Yes, it is hygroscopic the water dilutes it and then evaporates.
     
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  6. I'd change both master cylinders, and all the pipes :thumbsup:
     
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  7. Little Nellie

    Little Nellie Supporter

    It’s mostly propylene glycol and this evaporates
     
  8. I always use Waitrose Glycol and Jojoba fluid. Smells rather lovely!
     
  9. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    I don't love him that much !
     
  10. I’d doubt they’re in great shape :eek:
     

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