Brake line leaking fluid

[Don2334]

My front brake line has started dripping fluid. It looks like it is coming from just above the brakes where the lines are bolted to the shock absorber tube. My bike is a 2008 AE. Is this something the dealer will have to fix or can a not very mechanical person attempt it. I'm a little reluctant to try because if I mess it up I will be afraid to ride it to the shop with defective brakes. It isn't dripping much yet.

Don

 

[Ignacio]

Brake line leaking or is it, by chance, a leaking fork? The first is serious business and fairly unlikely. The latter is more common and not as serious. Unless you're substantially mechanical...dealer either way.

 

[Fred W]

My thoughts exactly. I'd bet it was fork oil.

 

[Don2334]

I'm pretty sure it's the brake line. It has been siting all winter. I found about half a teaspoon of oil on the wheel. It was light brown in color. I took the cover off the brake fluid reservoir and it is almost full but it does look like the same stuff. Based on your posts I think I will have the dealer figure it out.

Thanks

Don

 

[ionbeam]

Do you have a straight across (no bow in the middle) fork brace on your bike? If not, you are most likely experiencing a leaking fork seal as everyone else mentioned. Visually, both brake and fork fluids will look similar.

If you have a straight across fork brace, the banjo bolt under the center of the headlights can strike the top of the brace and cause a leak.

Do you have handlebar risers? If yes, is there a LOT of stress on the brake line when the handlebars are fully turned?

If you do have a brake fluid leak it is most likely to be at the banjo bolt and it will need a new copper gasket.

I got to spend part of this holiday weekend using a $5 Sealmate on my fork seals. It looks like a success, I'll know more after following Fred W on a ride.......

 

[Ignacio]

I found about half a teaspoon of oil on the wheel. It was light brown in color.

'Yamaha Suspension' for $800 Alex.....What is fork oil?

 

[bwv]

When you very firmly grab a handful of front brake, does the lever stay firm, or slowly drift towards the grip?

If it remains firm, it is unlikely to be the brakes... clean it up good, seek out the 5$ Sealmate that ionbeam mentioned, use it... and see what you got.

If it drifts, you should be able to see additional fluid in the area you first found it and identify the source.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Gawd I'm glad we can't be mean I MEAN, say what is the real issue here.

I'd suggest a search .. with no doubt 657830294428 answers.

But that would be mean.