Help! Brake Fluid Leak/Afternoon Pad Swap??

[MetalsMan]

Fellas
Swapped pads for the first time in BBK. 6 piston AP calipers on the front. Had to put a fair amount of pressure to retract the caliper pistons. Did each side of the caliper one at a time. Ended up with a streak of brake fluid in the garage once I.moved the car. Noticed some residue around the cap of the fluid reservoir, but it's still showing relatively full and the brake pedal is firm.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

[M3SQRD]

First, was the streak of fluid located under the brake fluid reservoir/master cylinder area or closer to a caliper bleed screw? Which AP Racing calipers or brake kit? New or used kit?

[MetalsMan]

New kit, 9668 BBK, first time.swapping pads..judging from how the car was parked when I swapped pads, to where I moved it back to its parking spot in the garage, believe it's likely directly under the reservoir. I shined a light around it though and don't see any residue anywhere under it though. May need a more thorough inspection

[MetalsMan]

Think it leaked some, then slowly rain downhill towards the garage entrance overnight making it look like a streak that was likely a small puddle of fluid to begin with

[M3SQRD]

Ok. Good to hear it’s not a leaking issue. I’m running the Essex/AP Racing F/R CP9668/9449 setup on my f82. Great brake kit. I run PFC race pads and Carbotech 1521 street pads with pad anti-rattle clips.

[Danlnyc88]

my guess is once you pushed those pistons back in, you pushed the fluid back into the reservoir and causing it to leak.

[D_SheerDrivingPleasure]

Been there...at the track between sessions. My heart skipped seeing a puddle below the car. I should not be allowed to own a toolbox.

[uncle ben]

Originally Posted by Danlnyc88

my guess is once you pushed those pistons back in, you pushed the fluid back into the reservoir and causing it to leak.

100%

May want to clean the area around the reservoir as brake fluid is corrosive and can damage paint.

[MetalsMan]

That is the plan for tomorrow..Will get under the car & clean residue. I removed the cap of the reservoir, wiped it all down clean etc

[robbo mcs]

Pushing 6 big pistons back will push a lot of fluid back into the system. That fluid has to go somewhere! Generally I check the brake fluid level in the reservoir, open the cap, and check it as I push the pistons back to make sure it doesn't overflow. Having the cap open makes it easier to push the pistons back, and also lets you keep an eye on the level. The alternative is to open the bleeder valves and attach to a bleeder tube, and let the fluid escape that way.

[MetalsMan]

Appreciate the feedback. Have never had to remove the cap before, but makes perfect sense.