brake fluid coming out of caliper?

I noticed a pool of fluid next to the tire. Thought it was the new braided line. However, I do believe it's coming from one of the inner pistons. The rotor looks shiny where the pads grab & there was fluid on the side of the pad. I did the brakes about a month ago & this just showed up. Everything seemed fine when I bled it. I have been having issues with the hard lines & small leaks (working on it). I can't imagine that would have any affect on the caliper though. Anything I may have done wrong or just chock it up to a defective caliper? Can't wait til the day I am all set with brakes for a minute. Cursed, I am....

 

Sounds to me like a defective caliper piston seal. If you got the caliper at a local parts store, I'd take it down for a replacement. Most of them come with lifetime warranties.

You'll also (unfortunately) need new brake pads, since at least one has been contaminated with the leaking fluid.

 

Is this a parts store caliper? Check all the bolts holding the two halves of the caliper are tight...

 

Yes. It's from NAPA. Good thinkin'. I'll check it tomorrow.

 

Get the brake fluid off anything that is painted or coated, it'll eat it like a fat kid eats BBQ. [I like BBQ]

Don't let the master cylinder run dry or you'll have fun bleeding it. Little trick is to take a piece of saran wrap or even a baggie and place it under the master cylinder cover. It'll create a vacuum and you'll lose far less fluid. I'll add this, you want to place it in between the cover and the master cylinder itself and keep it taut and then replace the cover as normal.

And don't drive it like that, besides being dangerous, it'll toss brake fluid all over your truck and possibly damage the clear coat.

 

The pads are lifetime as well, so that's covered....

 

Was the bleed port tighted?

 

Ha-ha! I must'a plowed through three cans of wool wax during this whole brake line adventure. Kept thinking I was all set. I'd clean up, respray & sure enough, I'd spot a leak a couple of days later. I finally broke down & bought a line from Toyota. Just waiting for the couple of small lines that go up front. & thanks for the tip.

 

I just double checked & yes. If this had been the case wouldn't I see fluid on the caliper exterior?

 

Yes you would.

Yes. And if you haven't done so, buy yourself a set of speed bleeder check valves. It'll make your life much easier.