Re: Brake Booster Seep (archive)

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: : Thanks, Bob. I can understand the seeping of oil, but I was a little worried about the seeping from the brake booster. I figured I would get the belts replaced and fix the tie rod as of now.

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: The brake booster is an hydraulic assisted device that uses the powersteering pump to provide the pressure to operate.

: Assuming it is powersteering fluid that is seeping, I wouldn't consider it critical, If it is brake fluid from the brake master cylinder, then it might be of more cincern.

: By "seep" I deduce that the offending part is slightly damp, especially around a gasket or seal, but not dripping on a contiinuing basis. I would wash the engine with a degreaser (usual warnings about the alternator and direct high pressure spraying of other electrical components)so that the seeps are gone, then monitor how fast a residue builds up. This would determine my course of action.

: If you were the Sultin of Brunai, you probably could afford to have the car kept in museum condition (and your dealer's service department would be a happy camper, indeed), but as practical people we accept that lubricating fluids are supposed to flow to do their jobs, and it is difficult to keep them from at least dampening their sealing surfaces forever.

: BMW service departments are there to cater to folks who just laid down 60 big ones on a new car, so their standards and prices tend to be angled to that clientele. I guess I am more frugal, and while I want my car to be safe and functionally perfect, I am willing to make certain trade-offs that allow me to own a piece of equipment that would, if maintained as if new and still on warranty, would bankrupt me.

My car has just developed a pretty bad red fluid leak that looks like its coming from the area of the steering gearbox or one of the related components-I'm taking it to a trusted shop tomorrow-hope it's just a hose or connection leak. I'll post what I find out-could be of help to someone.

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