Brake fluid in the back seat - Honda Prelude Forum

xr71967 · 06-25-2011, 12:53 PM

I have an 1989 Prelude SE with a brake fluid leak. After looking for some time, I discovered it pooling in the back seat, right side under the cushion. I've pulled the seat and looked in the trunk and found nothing in the way of a fitting or line. All I can figure is that there is a brake line in the vicinity that I'll need to find. Before I start pulling off interior panels, etc., I thought I'd touch base with the folks on this forum. Any help or insights are appreciated.

Colfax · 06-27-2011, 11:43 AM

Actually, I think the brake lines for the rear brakes run down the right side of the cabin, and the left rear line runs under the back seat. I haven't heard of anyone having any leaks in the hard lines, but anything is possible I guess. Pull the rear seat out and you should be able to find the spot where it's leaking. Post up if you have never pulled the seat out and I'll post instructions. It's very simple to do but if you do it wrong you'll mess the bottom portion up.

xr71967 · 06-28-2011, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the reply. I did manage to get the seat out and that's how I could tell there was fluid there. It seems to be wet on the right side by the door panel. Are you saying that the brake lines are on the inside of the cab?

Colfax · 06-29-2011, 12:16 PM

I don't know for sure because I've never worked on the brake lines. But from the diagram I was looking at, it looks to me like the brake lines run inside the cab. This makes sense as there are no frame rails to protect them. Since you are going to have to do it anyway, pull the passenger side door sill and you should be able to see the brake lines when you lift the carpet.

xr71967 · 07-01-2011, 01:08 PM

Thanks. I took the next step and started pulling off panels, etc. I found the leak on a curve in the brake line in a nylon clip in the back seat. I know it would be best to replace the entire line from the proportioning valve to the caliper, but that's more than I really want to take on. I think I'm going to look into the compression fitting type of repair. That probably means I'll need to drive for a week or so with the back seat disassembled to make sure it doesn't leak. Wish me luck.

Colfax · 07-05-2011, 03:08 PM

That should work fine to get you running. But you might want to consider replacing the line in the near future if the leak was caused by rust.

xr71967 · 07-30-2011, 09:34 PM

Thanks for the replys. I did finally get the brake line repaired. A friend came over and gave me a lesson in creating double flares in the line. Actually, he did the work and I watched. Since the repair was in a pretty deep bend, he was able to cut out the rusted portion and straighten out the curve - followed by a join using a union. No leaks, although quite a bit of air got in the lines that had to be purged.

It's nice that the designers at Honda were so creative as to keep the brake lines out of the elements. Maybe if I was more in touch with the mechanicals, instead of enjoying the ride, I would have known about the quirk beforehand. On the other hand, I think I'll focus on driving...

Thanks again.