Stella leaking brake fluid

scoobyjax · Post by **scoobyjax** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:12 am

Hi everyone, I did a search for anything having to do with leaking brake fluid and couldn't find anything. Yesterday when I went to take the stella to work, I noticed that my front brake was gone. When I pulled back on the brake lever there was no resistance at all. When I opened up the little resevoir there was no brake fluid visible. I looked on the floor right under the brake and sure enough there was a brake fluid puddle. I refilled the resevoir and the brake worked again. I cleaned the floor and then this morning there was a brake fluid puddle again. When I look at the brake, the only place I can see fluid is right now the screw/nut that you turn to bleed them. It seems to be tight. I admit I'm clueless when it comes to this. Can anyone tell me where to start???

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:24 am

Just to clarify, the bleeder screw is at the top of the caliper pointing up.

How old is your machine and has the brake system been opened for any service recently?

Rob

scoobyjax · Post by **scoobyjax** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:47 am

Sorry my bad. It's at the bottom where the line connects. The stella is an 03 with 800 miles. I haven't messed with the brakes or done any service lately. It was 130 degrees in my garage this last week. I don't know if that can have any effect. Here is a picture with a yellow arrow pointing to where I found the bubble of brake fluid.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:54 am

Well, that makes more sense.

If anything bangs against the brake line at the caliper it can loosen it and brake fluid is real good at finding any escape route.

Using a 6 point socket put a bit of arm on the banjo bolt.....don't go crazy here, just try to put about a eigth of a turn on it.
Those washers you see are designed to crush, creating a seal....you need to crush them a bit more.

Also, as soon as you are done reading this, go out and wash tha accumulated brake fluid off the wheel/ tire and any painted parts.....the brake fluid will destroy the paint.....plain old soap and water will cut it just fine.....do not delay.....the paint will soon be ruined.

Rob

talindsay · Post by **talindsay** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:38 am

Do you really mean an 03 with 800 miles? In a decade you haven't even gotten through break-in? That might have a bit to do with leakage problems and the like. Just my two cents, a bike that sis a lot is likely to have a lot of trouble.

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:54 pm

on my 08,fluid ran out where the banjo bolt factory crimped to the hose.. it appeared the fluid was comming oht of the bottom of the bolt...
but actually was comming from.the crimp and hose joint and finally dripping off at the bolt. check there too... good luck

scoobyjax · Post by **scoobyjax** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:09 pm

jimmbomb wrote:on my 08,fluid ran out where the banjo bolt factory crimped to the hose.. it appeared the fluid was comming oht of the bottom of the bolt...
but actually was comming from.the crimp and hose joint and finally dripping off at the bolt. check there too... good luck

Sorry, I meant 2004. Yes, I found two 2004 Stellas for sale that had been sitting in an airplane hanger for almost 8 years. The guy that sold them to me sold me both for $3500 so I couldn't say no. They had about 300 miles each. I've put 500 miles on the red one in about 6 month. Here's my original post:
viewtopic.php?t=21157&highlight=

scoobyjax · Post by **scoobyjax** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:11 pm

jimmbomb wrote:on my 08,fluid ran out where the banjo bolt factory crimped to the hose.. it appeared the fluid was comming oht of the bottom of the bolt...
but actually was comming from.the crimp and hose joint and finally dripping off at the bolt. check there too... good luck

Yeah, I'm going to check that too. Last night I tried tightening the bolt on the bottom but it wouldn't budge.

talindsay · Post by **talindsay** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:41 pm

scoobyjax wrote:
jimmbomb wrote:on my 08,fluid ran out where the banjo bolt factory crimped to the hose.. it appeared the fluid was comming oht of the bottom of the bolt...
but actually was comming from.the crimp and hose joint and finally dripping off at the bolt. check there too... good luck
Sorry, I meant 2004. Yes, I found two 2004 Stellas for sale that had been sitting in an airplane hanger for almost 8 years. The guy that sold them to me sold me both for $3500 so I couldn't say no. They had about 300 miles each. I've put 500 miles on the red one in about 6 month. Here's my original post:
viewtopic.php?t=21157&highlight=

Wow, that's sweet! Bikes that have sat a lot will certainly have their share of this type of issues - I would check all seals and gaskets carefully - but there's no denying that's a sweet deal.

jimmbomb · Post by **jimmbomb** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:50 pm

if... if it turns out that it is the crimp where the crimp meets the hose...
then you are in for a shock when you price out a new hose!!!!

scoobyjax · Post by **scoobyjax** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 12:52 am

jimmbomb wrote:if... if it turns out that it is the crimp where the crimp meets the hose...
then you are in for a shock when you price out a new hose!!!!

I haven't figure it out yet, but OMFG!!!! That little piece of hose is $322???????? WTF?

youkiddin · Post by **youkiddin** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:14 am

check for a hydraulic line company in your town or somewhere close,should be able to get one cheap IF they have the ends.