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Fluid dribble after brake change

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by oasmith, Jul 14, 2018.

  1. oasmith

    oasmith Junior Member

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    So, not sure what happened here. I replaced my front and rear brake pads and rotors, and when i had the car back down on the ground and tightening the wheel lug, i head something dribble out from under the car. I immediately thought it would be brake fluid. It stopped after about like 5 seconds, and the amount was about as much as you could squeeze out of a wet sponge. Not much. I finished up the job, and turned the car on and it is operating totally fine. I backed the car up and got down to inspect the little puddle and it has no smell, no slippery consistency, and as far as i can tell without tasting it, it seems like just regular water. I had the car on for another 20 minutes going back and forth in the driveway, and no new drips occurred. Any ideas why a little bit would dribble out? Very odd.
     
    #1 oasmith, Jul 14, 2018
  2. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Depends on which direction the dripping came from. Might be accumulated water, or the inverter coolant might be leaking somewhere. Just keep an eye on what's going on, as you drive.
     
    #2 Dxta, Jul 14, 2018
  3. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Yes. BTDT. Usually from condensation that has accumulated from AC system. Changing height of front of car slightly changes where a puddle may form. Returning it to normal makes the puddle flow to it's normal drainage position.
     
    #3 TMR-JWAP, Jul 15, 2018
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Agree with above. Almost certainly condensate from the air conditioner that didn't find its way out until you lowered the car.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Jul 15, 2018
  5. oasmith

    oasmith Junior Member

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    OK, thanks guys. It's been working fine.
     
    #5 oasmith, Jul 15, 2018
  6. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Another vote for a/c condensate (water). BTDT

    Same scenario can occur after an oil change when ultra-light 0w-20 synthetic is still very clean and clear and back car down ramps to see a trail of drops...... OH NO! :eek: (performs finger/smell test) Oh, it's just water. ;)
     
    #6 fotomoto, Jul 15, 2018
  7. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    FWIW....as you "push" the caliper pistons back into the caliper that pressure will raise the oil level at the master cylinder brake fluid fill point and perhaps the fluid will seep out/ past the fill container's cap.

    Some say to remove/ lower brake fluid from the container before you begin a brake job for this above reason.

    Else, since you tasted it (haha) AC condensation is good answer.
     
    #7 Kenny94945, Jul 15, 2018
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think he says he didn't taste it.

    Apparently not oil, and coolant is a little "slicker" to the touch comparing to water, if I recall correctly? It wouldn't hurt to just taste it on a finger tip, then rinse your mouth. If it's coolant it would have a distinct sweet taste.

    I'm thinking AC condensate (water) too. Maybe OP can disclose location, weather conditions, and was he running AC?
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jul 15, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2018
  9. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Is your brake fluid reservoir overfilled?


    iPhone ? Pro
     
    #9 The Critic, Jul 16, 2018
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