Brake Fluid Leak - 96 850 T5

sntee · Post by **sntee** » 12 Feb 2007, 04:33

I have a brake fluid leak that appears to be coming from the "switch" that is screwed into the side of the Master Cylinder.

Fluid is dripping off the wiring and making its way down to the exhaust manifold...... real bad fumes and clouds of smoke galore!!!

I've spoken to my local dealership and they can supply a replacement switch for about

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 12 Feb 2007, 06:30

If the switch is functioning OK but just leaking, I would try to remove it and seal it with some thread sealer and replace. Worth a try and only costs you some time.

sntee · Post by **sntee** » 12 Feb 2007, 08:24

I thought about that, but the leak seems to be coming from the plastic body of the switch as opposed to the thread.

I could try sealing the body, but I've a feeling that the fluid would prevent the sealant from adhering to the plastic. Especially given that brake fluid is pretty nasty stuff and will chemically attack most solvent based glues, paints, etc.

Thanks for the suggestion though......

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Feb 2007, 10:10

fcpgroton can get the part if you know the number for it even if they don't list it on their site...you'll have to call them.

Post by **billofdurham** » 12 Feb 2007, 11:06

Try this in the UK:

http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/

They do not supply parts but will contact independent suppliers on your behalf to obtain quotes. Some of their contacts also break Volvos so they are worth bearing in mind if you want used parts in the future. Most used parts come with a warranty.

Bill.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Feb 2007, 11:28

Thank you Bill...didn't realize he is in the U.K.

sntee · Post by **sntee** » 13 Feb 2007, 01:28

Thanks for the feedback.

I had a response from FCP Groton and they quote $88, so even with shipping to the UK, it'll still work out a lot cheaper than the dealership 2 miles down the road!!!!!

I'll try Parts Gateway first though, just to see if I can get the part quicker.

sntee · Post by **sntee** » 13 Mar 2007, 18:27

I've ordered the part (its an EBD Pressure Sensor apparently) from FCP Groton and should be receiving it any day now.

It still amazes me that its cheaper to order swedish spare parts from an American supplier and have them shipped over to the UK, than it is to collect them from the Volvo dealership 2 miles down the road.

Anyway, whilst searching the internet for a cheaper local supplier, I stumbled across some interesting info on the Volvo Owners Club website....

Apparently, the EBD sensor was the subject of a product recall on the late 850's to which it was fitted.

The problem???? You guessed it, failure of the internal seals leading to leakage of break fluid onto the exhaust manifold!!

The helpful chappy at my local dealership was kind enough to point out that this was a potentially dangerous failure and should be remedied immediately.

He also informed me that my car was showing on the system as having been fixed back in 1997

So, a word of caution to anyone else out there with one of these EBD sensors fitted to their cars..... check regularly for any signs of fluid leakage. The fluid itself tends to run over the wiring harness connector and down the harness before dripping off onto the heat shield above the exhaust manifold. Obviously, depending on how bad the leak is, you will also see your fluid level slowly reducing. (I'm up to half a pint a fortnight now

)