Brake Master Cylinder Question

[Wheel]

Today I noticed the brake fluid level in brake reservoir has gone done while the car has been parked for the winter. Upon further investigation it appears the leak is located on the line from the reservoir to master cylinder. It is not leaking from the hose joint but is leaking where the white plastic elbow goes into the master cylinder. I can move this elbow very easily from side to side.
Can anyone tell me how the elbow attaches into the master cylinder? Is it threaded? Does it only need to be tightened? Why would it start leaking? How can it loosen with the hose attached? Do I have to replace the master cylinder?

Thanks
John

[NJFIAT1981]

Hi John,
No idea why it would leak therre. I just replaced mine today and the part snaps in place. It's held in place by the rubber. AW imports in Eatontown NJ has the plastic peices if you need them. I'm sure someone else here on the site should also have them. George

[azruss]

the leak issue is the nipple cracking at the base or the old hose is seeping and the fluid is settling at the base making it look like the base is leaking.

[124JOE]

i got a new one
i still have to install

[dmwhiteoak]

I just replacwd mine also. George hit the nail on the head. It just snaps in place. If you cant find one close I think I have an extra one.

[Wheel]

Thanks guys!
Is the plastic nipple supposed to be able to spin/turn once it is "snapped" in or is it fixed?
The hose is wet all the way up from the master cylinder to the reservoir.
I will take a better look at the leak when I finish putting rebuilding the cooling system. I am scared of tearing too many systems apart at one time.

[baltobernie]

There's quite a bit of play on that part when it's new. If the hose is wet along its length, I'd suspect a bad hose, or maybe the nipple exiting the reservoir is cracked. Those hoses look original; that's a lot of years under extreme conditions.