Brake Fluid Leak

parottthead · Post by **parottthead** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:34 am

I noticed a leak near the back of my 81 Turbo, and after some investigating found what I think is a pressure equalizing valve mounted on the rear axle housing on the passenger side. There is a rubber boot on it, and it looks like brake fluid is leaking from it.
I talked to a mechanic who works on Fiats, and he said it was very difficult to install that piece, but didn't elaborate on why, and I haven't asked him what he would charge to do it.
Is this a part that can be rebuilt?
Is the rubber boot what usually leaks?
Any advice?

thanks,

brian

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:38 pm

the brake compensator is a pain to replace, just due to location. Somewhat limited access. I haven't seen rebuild kits, just replacement valves. The boot is merely a dust boot, if it's wet then the seals are leaking. Many owners bypass it rather than replacing it. There aren't any bypass kits I'm aware of, you have to figure it out with fittings or hoses.
If you replace it, bleeding the system is tricky; make sure you either support the rear axle of leave the link disconnected. Otherwise the valve is shut and no fluid flows to the rear calipers

parottthead · Post by **parottthead** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:02 pm

Thanks for the info Mark. So it's OK to bypass the brake compensator? I think that sounds like the best option for me rather than replace it.

brian

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:21 pm

I've never heard of complaints from anyone who has bypassed it