Brake fluid leak

[john3mo]

I recently had to get my 97' lumina state inspected to get new tags. Durring the inspection the guy told me that there was a leak coming from where the brake hose fitting goes into the caliper on the front drivers side. He told me that the copper washers on either side of the banjo bolt could be worn out, and that i should try to replace them. My question is does this sound like the cause of the leak. I just don't see how the copper washers could just "go bad" if nothing had been done to the brakes in the past. Any experiences or expertise on this subject would help greatly!

[jeffcoslacker]

I suppose it's possible.

I'd just try to tighten the banjo fitting a bit before doing anything else.

The copper is soft, it'll crush enough that it should make a new seal if that's the problem.

Chances are the brake hoses are in pretty rough shape by now anyway. I also have a '97, and I'm going to replace the hoses next pad change regardless of how they look.

[Scrapper]

i've never seen that happen but like he sais could be possible if so i would put new rubber lines on both sides if they haven't been changed and they come with new brass washers.

[john3mo]

I jacked the car up over the weekend and took a look at the bolt that holds the brake hose to the caliper; it was not on very tight I could almost turn it by hand. So I tightened it down to what the Haynes guide said it should be (32ft pounds) sprayed the area down with degreaser and took it back the safety inspection station and they passed it. Next time I take the wheels off the car I plan on changing the brake lines just for preventative maintenance, like you all suggested. Thanks for the help and advice.