Brake fluid overflow?

[cashflyer]

Somebody please explain this before I have to start selling the excess fluid on eBay.

A while back, when I checked the fluid before a race, I found that the top of the resevoir had some errant fluid around the cap. I sopped it up with a shop towel and checked the resevoir - which was full.

This past weekend, I again checked the fluid before an event, and found more fluid around the top. But the resevoir is still full. Where is the extra fluid coming from and WHY??!!





EDIT: Changed title for accuracy

[dweymer]

When you release the brakes, the system pushes fluid back into the resevoir. I don't think the resevoir should be filled to the top, take a little out and see if that fixes it.

[jluetjen]

I wouldn't fill it past the step on the outside of the resevoir.

[Chilling in VT]

Wouldn't/shouldn't the excess fluid pass out the overflow tube and not out the top? Is your overflow tube plugged? Anyone?
Joe

[dweymer]

Yes it should, could be blocked.

[Bill Verburg]

It's very common for fluid to collect there, the cause of the overflow is 3 fold; initial overfilling, expansion due to heat and pad knockback

The level will drop as the pads wear, you can also use a syringe to remove a litle fluid.

BBKs used w/ stock reservoirs exacerbate the issue, because they push so much more fluid.

[Quicksilver]

If the fluid has risen a very noticable amount then it means you are boiling the fluid but you should notice the pedal turning to mush.

Otherwise: what Bill said...