I went to get an oil change today and the mechanic told me my left rear caliper is leaking. He said that I'm able to see the leak on my pistons without taking anything off. What does this mean? Is it something that I need to replace asap or can it wait a while? Also, what do I need to replace if I have to? Thanks for the help!

 

So he diagnosed a leak, without taking apart you brakes? Its rather difficult to see the piston with the caliper, pads, and rotors in the way but maybe its just me.

Rear calipers you dont use as much as your front, but dont leave it alone and fix later. Get it looked after as soon as possible. Also get a 2nd opinion as well.

 

do i need to replace my rotors and pads as well or does that depend on how severe the leak is? they are fairly new (approximately 1 year old)

 

Depends where the leak is coming from. Could be the brake line near the caliper or the seal on the caliper itself.

Have it checked though. Don't want to be driving with a bad brake. Check your brake fluid level too.

I doubt you'll need to change the pads and rotors unless they've gotten warped somehow.

Worst case scenario, a rebuilt rear caliper will run around $80-90 from autozone. Maybe an hour's worth of labor to swap em if the mechanic is reeeally slow.

 

If a caliper is leaking, likely the pad on that side will be wetted also necessitating pad change.

 

Is there any difference between the type of leaks? Also, I read somewhere that when I add brake fluid, I need to reseal the cap of reservoir each time I open it? Is that true?

 

You do have to screw the cap back on but the brake system is not sealed. So motocycles use sealed system but not cars.