Perplexing and urgent problem -- mystery leak!

[BarOne]

2nd post in 2 days!! Ugh!! I was riding today (05 RT with 10K) and noticed a fluid spreading slowly on the inside of the windshield -- low left side only. Upon further inspection, I observed it was an oily substance -- smelled like brake fluid.

 

The plot thickens. The reservoir on the left handlebar appeared to have some fluid seeping from the point where the cap meets the reservoir. Screws were tight. There was also fluid on the left fork and on the left caliper -- not a lot but definitely more than on the other side (where there was none). I checked the fluid levels in the reservoir on the left bar, right bar and under the seat and all appeared normal. The right handlebar and under seat reservoir are for brake fluid -- that much I know plus it says so on the caps. The reservoir on the left handlebar indicates that only mineral oil should be added. The manual labels both bar reservoirs as for brakes and makes no mention of mineral oil.

 

I wiped off the fluids when I got home, started the bike, applied the brakes, front and rear while stationary and inspected for fluid leaks. Nothing.

 

What's going on? Brake fluid leak? Mineral oil leak (what would mineral oil be for and does it smell like brake fluid?). Do the forks contain a fluid and could that be leaking? What is the reservoir on the left handle bar for?

 

The bike is operating normally and I am in the mountains at least 150 miles from the nearest dealer -- your help and suggestions are appreciated.

 

 

[Fugu]

Could be a fork seal, although that's a pretty new bike for that.

 

Clean everything up good and then sit on the bike and pump the forks and see if the fork legs get wet- they should be dry.

 

The forks contain 10w fork oil for lubrication, not damping. If it's a leaky fork seal you can just wrap a rag around it and secure it with something tight enough to make it stay, loose enough to let it move as the fork compresses. Fix it when you get home.

 

Just did a seal on an 02 and it was not a terrible job, took a couple hours and I'd never done one.

[GrahamB]

Mineral oil leak (what would mineral oil be for and does it smell like brake fluid?)... What is the reservoir on the left handle bar for?

 

The LH reservoir contains the clutch fluid. Since the clutch doesn't operate at high temps, mineral oil is sufficient. Whereas the brakes need special high temp fluid.

 

[BarOne]

Fugu -- thanks for the tip -- I'll try that in the morning

 

GrahamB -- does mineral oil smell? Does it smell like brake fluid?

 

Keep the ideas coming.

 

Thanks!

[keithb]

Mineral oil does not absord moisture so there is really no need to change it vs. brake fluid. Too bad they don't use it in the brake lines. It would suit me just fine not to have to change the brake fluid every 2/4 years.

[alimar]

Correct that the left side is clutch and uses mineral oil. And for sure we didn't touch that at Samsar's. Might the previous owner filled with Dot4? I can't say for sure but I would think that mineral oil does NOT smell anything like Dot4.

 

Just a thought, but that the "oil" was observed on the low left windscreen jab the clutch and brake several times each to see if a pinhole in either of the lines is spraying fluid.

 

Keep us posted. Hopefully it turns out that you find and can resolve the problem.

 

[BarOne]

OK -- wiped everything down, went for a ride. Squished the brakes, the clutch and the front suspension. It is leaking from the top of the left fork. Looks like a seal needs replacing. Thanks for the help folks. See new post on leaking forks!