Possible hydroboost leak

[Jared Herzog]

I had a 12 LML that had a hydroboost leak. The leak ran under the carpet and smelled inside the cab. So this is an inspection i do when i change the oil on my 15 Ram 3500 Cummins. The brake pedal rod goes into the hydroboost. At that seal i got one small/questionable drop of red fluid on a paper towel. The area looks shinny and wet but is dry to the touch. Where the plunger goes in i can see the slightest fluid around the rod.
I am in no hurry to run to the dealer if this is typical. I know this is not a normal inspection most guys do. The fluid level is at minimum cold and just below maximum when hot. So my question is is this normal? Possibly "assembly" lube? The truck is currently at 23,000 miles. A dealer trip will probably end up being several trips. One to inspect. One to replace. And at least one to fix the things they mess up while my truck is in the shop.
Does anyone here do this inspection and what does yours look like?
Thanks
#ad

 

[Bruce Beard]

Here is my 2016 with just shy of 30,000 mikes on it.
Bruce

 

[Jared Herzog]

Thanks for the photo. Yours does look better. I can tell mine has at one point had some fluid on it. When i press the brake pedal i can see slight fluid around the shaft but it disappears back once the pedal is released. I guess i will keep an eye on it and mention it when my truck is in the shop for other issues that may come up before the 36,000 bumper to bumper warranty is up. I may use some brake cleaner on it today and see if it makes a difference. My thought and the reason i asked if others have the same thing is i would think they would coat the orings with fluid so they are not dry.

 

[kthaxton]

I wouldn't use brake cleaner as it attacks plastics and makes it brittle and crumble apart. I doubt you could control the spray very well in that small spot. Who knows what it might do to the seals or any other plastic in the area.
I would try electrical contact cleaner.

 

[Jared Herzog]

I wouldn't use brake cleaner as it attacks plastics and makes it brittle and crumble apart. I doubt you could control the spray very well in that small spot. Who knows what it might do to the seals or any other plastic in the area.
I would try electrical contact cleaner.

Yes. I decided not to use chemicals. Just a shop rag. Thanks

 

[Jared Herzog]

Well, i cleaned up the area under the brake pedal with a white rag. I got one spot in total on the rag that would equate to the size of half a pencil eraser. The fluid is around the rod seal and if it is leaking it is not much. I will monitor it for now. Thanks for all the input. Here is where i am at now with it. #ad

If anyone else has a chance see what yours is doing and if you can chime in here. In the photo you can see the shiny fluid around the plunger and housing. The fluid drop was red. I am just not sure if i have an issue or if my OCD is going off on that seal.

 

[Newsa]

Mine is a bit rustier. But is dry. I guess the humidity and salty air down here is taking a toll. But no detectable leak. Fluids are still in the safe range in the reservoirs.

 

[Newsa]

Do ypu guys use ATF+4? For the power steering?

Sounds too easy. Like i don't have to go out and buy power steering fluid!