I have a 1990 gxl and I noticed today when I saw my wheels, there was oil on it. And I look at my calipers and they are covered in oil. My rotor is also covered in oil. It's only my driverside front caliper and rotors. Any thoughts as to what this may be and what I can do to fix it? I'm having a feeling this is what is causing my brakes to be all mushy.

 

yip id definatly say its leaking.. could be many things.. rubber seal on piston could be leaking, where the line screws into caliper or brake hose could be leaking. best to take the wheel off clean it down then pump the pedal to see where its coming from

 

Remove wheel, spray caliper down with brake cleaner until all brake fluid is removed, add fluid to reservoir, turn on car and pump brakes, look for location of leak.

 

For brake cleaner, you think I can just gunk it?

 

Gunk? You can't afford a $3 can of cleaner or something?

 

I can =P. Just that I have a can of gunk with me right now.

 

..and you wonder why the brakes leak?..
I hope you post again!.I need cheering up!(you are Funny!)
anyhow,it sounds like you Blew a Seal on the Caliper.
the Previous post of taking off the tire,spraying with Brake clean,Etc,Will Most likely reveal that..
So either be prepared to Rebuild the caliper(good God!.. NO!..)
or Just get a new one..(they aren't costly,.about 80-100 new)
Remember Brakes are what keep you From Running into People..So please fix them,or tell me where you are Going to be..So I can avoid the Area!/(..now I'm funny!)..
Good luck to ya..STYX.

 

haha, yeah thats what I'm guessing tho. the brakes work still just that they are mushy. Hopefully, if it comes down to it, i'll just buy a good used one off the forum.