97 Regal Brake failure

[caddiali]

This morning as I parked the car, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor and soft....(like if you were bleeding the system)
also the parking brake light stays on (even though the brake is off) while the car is driving.
-No ABS light is on throughout this
-Opened the hood checked the master cylinder reservoir, and it was empty.
-Added brake fluid until full....parking brake light on dash goes away..
-drove to the store, brake pedal has same feel, the fluid top-up has no effect
-checked resevior, empty again....NO LEAKS found under car

I was wondering if anybody has any ideas or comments about what is causing my brakes to fail....

always appreciated!

[GTP Dad]

You have a leak in the system somewhere and I suggest that you don't drive it again until you get it fixed. It is possible that the master cylinder itself has gone bad. As for the pedal issue you will need to bleed all the brakes after bleeding the master cylinder. I suggest that you go ahead and replace the master cylinder because of the fact that it will be less hassle to bleed the master cylinder and brakes once instead of twice if it happens again.

[caddiali]

Thanks GTP Dad for your reply into this problem......

Had the mechanic hoist it up today, added fluid to the master cylinder, pumped the brake pedal, and found the brake line at the back that crosses horizontal to the back wheels was cracked. It is the one that is by the frame near the gas tank area. Looks like the original owner of the Regal never bothered to rust proof the undercarriage.....

Now he's telling me that to replace 2 brake lines will be $260 each line. (parts only) I think that is kind of pricey. Never had this experience before and I was wondering if that is a typical price range for this part?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Old Lar]

My 99 Regal had the same issue..rusted brake line. The dual brake line system seemed to function well enough I could get it to the dealer for repair (35 miles away). Pricey repair too.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by caddiali

Thanks GTP Dad for your reply into this problem......

Had the mechanic hoist it up today, added fluid to the master cylinder, pumped the brake pedal, and found the brake line at the back that crosses horizontal to the back wheels was cracked. It is the one that is by the frame near the gas tank area. Looks like the original owner of the Regal never bothered to rust proof the undercarriage.....

Now he's telling me that to replace 2 brake lines will be $260 each line. (parts only) I think that is kind of pricey. Never had this experience before and I was wondering if that is a typical price range for this part?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

There is no such thing as a 260 brake line, they come in lengths that can be customized to fit any car, short of some junctions or valves the parts price is ridiculous.

[brcidd]

I always make my own- using a double flare tool- cut out the bad areas and replace with what -ever length I need- Parts usually cost less than $20 - that shop price is ridiculous......any Napa or Autozone has the parts behind the counter...

[caddiali]

Well the $260 ended up being for both brake lines. WITH labour and parts.
Still pricey considering the dealer sells brake line for $30 a roll!
The mechanic tried to pull a fast one, yes this still happens in this day and age!
Luckily with some research and the AF Forums, I had an argument when we discussed the price break down.



Well I know where to NOT take my car again lol...

Thanks to everyone for their valuable input

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!