how to tell whether brake fluid or water?

Post by **sdelasal** » 26 Apr 2008, 15:57

I changed the brake fluid in the van today and had the van up at various angles on the jacks. Half way thru my son asks me what that liquid is dripping in the passenger foot well (LHD Van). Well, I took the glove box off and the fluid is coming from under the heater box plastic assembly affair. It's definately not from the heater hoses as they are all dry. Trouble is i've been very careful not to spill brake fluid and there is no signs of leaks from the brake resoivoir, the booster or in fact the drivers side of the heater assembly.

So, If it's brake fluid, then I can't see where it's coming from - but it is a bit of a conicidence that the leak starts when i'm fiddling with the brakes.

So, how do I tell the difference between brake fluid and coolant? without tasting it ...?

Otherwise, any other idea what it could be - i wondered about windscreen fluid but I can see where those pipes run at all.

Steve

Post by **Mocki** » 26 Apr 2008, 18:08

dip ya fingers in it and feel it...... brake fluid feels "oily" and isnt shiney on your skin, water , well, feels like, water....... wash ya finger right quick after tho, its not nice stuff.......

if it feels "oily", it could still be coolant, so get some white tissue and see what colour it is.......

Post by **SplendiferousII** » 28 Apr 2008, 10:37

I wouldnt describe brake fluid as feeling oily at all. I find it accentuates the roughness of your skin and almost has a gritty feel to it (Obviously its not gritty) It also has a sort of acidic feel to it or something wierd anyway. But defo not oily. Just Taste it ! I have been testing it that way for years.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 28 Apr 2008, 12:53

brake fluid also smells a bit.. though skanky water does too... but not the same... wipe the surface where its landed and if its water then it should dry off easy.. if its brake fluid it wont.......