Acura Tech Tip: Brake Master Cylinder Leaking

Acura Tech Tip: Brake Master Cylinder Leaking

A cup seal in the master cylinder is sensitive to the type of brake fluid used in the brake system. If the brake fluid is replaced with anything other than Acura (or Honda) Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid, and the brakes are manually bled, the cup seal may twist in its retention groove and create a small leak.


Models

2005-2006 RL

Condition
A cup seal in the master cylinder is sensitive to the type of brake fluid used in the brake system. If the brake fluid is replaced with anything other than Acura (or Honda) Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid, and the brakes are manually bled, the cup seal may twist in its retention groove and create a small leak. The brake fluid can then leak into the brake booster, and the brake system indicator will eventually come on because the brake fluid level is low.

If the owner continues to drive the vehicle without refilling the brake fluid reservoir, they may notice the brake pedal feel slow or spongy. The drive should not rely on refilling the brake fluid reservoir to address the problem. A prolonged leak would eventually cause one of the two brake system hydraulic circuits to fail.

Correction
Install a master cylinder repair kit and, if needed, replace the brake booster. Vehicles that have already had the procedure performed at the dealer will have center-punch a completion mark above the ninth character of the engine compartment VIN.

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