My 960 has developed a brake fluid leak at the combination valve located below the master cylinder. The leak is at the large reducing nut at the top of the valve. I have tried tightening the nut without removing the valve, with no luck. It appears that there might be some sealant on the nut, too. I know if I pull the valve out that I will have to bleed the whole system. Will I have to buy a new valve? I possible to remove the nut and reseal it? If so, what do I use to seal it?

thanks,

Fletch

Here's a picture that shows exactly what I am talking about:

http://www.sgds.com/brakeleak.jpg

That's definitely not like I'd assumed. I think that point would be sealed with a copper crush washer, or might respond to tightening?
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

There's no real way to grip the valve to hold it tight enough to tighten the nut. The bracket the valve is connected to is rather flimsy, too. And there is no way to get leverage down in there to put much force on it. I guess I will have to pull the valve out of there.

I went to the dealer today to see about getting a replacement washer for the brake proportioning valve. They don't sell any of the parts for it, said I have to buy the whole valve for $250! I hate the dealer. Maybe I can find one in a junkyard. Does anyone have a diagram of the parts in the valve? Any suggestions on where to get a rebuilt one or an aftermarket vavle?

I'm not familiar with the 960 "junction block" but suspect it's much the same as 240 . I know my 940's is (see "Gallery" photo by Randy Starkie).

Your leak is probably coming from the screwed-in Brake Failure Warning switch. BUT (big but) the seal there is just a precaution against major fluid loss. If the internal O-ring seals are OK, the fluid should not get to that point. If it's minor seepage, a new switch and sealing ring might hold for some time.

That said, I would think your 1996 car is way too young to have that kind of internal J-block failure (20+ years is not unheard of on 240s).

At any rate, this reply will put your question back in the running.
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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.