It seems that I am losing brake fluid from the master cylinder (or at least the resovoir is low) every morning that the weather is cold. Additionally there is a puddle of fluid in that same general location as the master cylinder. I do not see the fluid actually leaking out, but the black housing for the steering column looks a little damp. Any ideas what is causing this?

 

a seal that is contracting from the cold.

 

Possibly a hose or gasket is dry and brittle? The cold weather might be making them contract, allowing the fluid to leak out through the cracks???

 

Seal inside the MC is failing. Replace asap.

 

Thanks for the info... this morning, I could actually see the moisture on the black cover of the steering column... (the cover that attaches to the fire wall...) is this the steering column, or part of the brake booster for the Master Cylinder? Also, is there a gasket in this peice, or can the whole assembly be replaced?

 

if you're leaking that bad, then you may also have to replace the booster and not just the master cylinder.