I have been fixing up a 99 zx6r. I noticed that there is a very slow leak of brake fluid from the inside of the front right caliper. I topped off the fluid a few months ago with some dot 4 (just a little bit in the front but the back was near the lower line). I am not sure what was in the bike before. The fluid is still still up by the top line. The brake pads are also in need of replacing.
Could the leak be from the cylinders being too far out because of the pads?
Or maybe some reaction from the the new and old brake fluid?
Or just a bad seal? and I should get a rebuild kit (I have not been able to find one yet).

 

Sorry posted too quick... I think it was the wrong color to be brake fluid. Ill run it this evening and see.
thanks

 

Any leak needs to be investigated. As the brake pads wear, the piston needs to move further out to do its job. When the pads are new, the piston doesn't travel far and the cylinder wall that the piston travels in can get dirty and corroded. As the piston moves further out it meets the crud and corrosion and this in turn wears the rubber seal - result - fluid leak. Sometimes you can get away with repairing the piston and cylinder by thorough cleaning and replacing the rubber seal or piston and seal. If the corrosion is too bad the whole caliper needs to be replaced. Don't delay - check it out before you run out of brakes.
Mike