I have a 95 Honda Civic EX Coupe.

I haven't driven my car in about 8 months and before I stopped I had a slow brake fluid leak somewhere. 8 months later I started her up and had no brakes so I filled it up with fluid and started driving. I'm not sure where the leak is but I have at least one idea.

My first question is if is it ok that I filled the car up after it leaked out and started driving. Was there anything else I needed to do before hand beside just filling it up?

Second, I have a few pictures of where I see and feel dampness. Could anyone explain what this is and if it could be the cause of my leak?



The red circle shows a hole that looks like something should go in. It had fluid in and around it.





The lines and metal under the hole are wet.





Top down....not much of a view but I thought I'd add it.

 

That is your brake proportioning valve (prop valve). I'm not sure what the hole is, but there are six lines in/out of the valve and it looks like you have all six threaded in properly.




eH.

 

Thanks for the reply. After searching a little bit on problems with the brake proportioning value I found many people had the same issue with fluid leaking out of that hole. I didn't search enough to figure out why the hole is there but enough to know that it should have a rubber plug on it and when the plug comes out it just leaks fluid everywhere...lol. Sweet, right? Plus i couldn't find anyone who successfully plugged the hole. Everyone said they just had to buy a new one.

Oh well...third part I will have to fix. Fun times. I appreciate it!

 

There was a guy in the marketplace that was selling rebuilt prop valves, but I can't seem to find his thread. I'm on my cell so searching isn't as easy, but if you can find him, he has great prices compared to buy new OEM or cheap aftermarket.

Thanks for the info on the rubber plug! I've never look at the prop valve that closely. It's interesting to know!





eH.

 

Upon shopping research there are a few junkyards I could get one for cheap or the $200 new option which really isn't one at all. If I need to get one I'll just get it used.

Quick question though, I know it is a huge problem to not have brakes going down the road but could it be possible/safe to drive my car if I just consistently check and add brake fluid to the point that it never goes under the MIN level? Essentially, I would never be empty on brake fluid, I just don't know if the hole being open will mess with my brakes.

Obviously I know the best thing to do is to fix it but money is tight and I need to drive. Is it realistically a life or death problem to drive while leaking brake fluid from the brake proportioning valve or would it be fine for now if I just make sure its never low on brake fluid?

 

The leak could worsen and lead to failure. Replace the leaking valve, which would be a cheap fix by buying a used one from a junk yard.