Breaks fail?

What would be the reason for brakes failing ?

I drive a mitsubishi magna 89. Had it for 2 1/2 yrs, it's been alright since I had it. 2 major probs - overheating, my fault for not checking the water regularly. Nearly lost the engine last yr d/t overheating. But anyway, enough of that...

Tonight my brakes 'sort of' failed. My wheel has been really stiff/tight lately (could be part of the prob?) went to slow down by brake and the break pedal went right to the floor (like the pedal was kind of loose), car did stop with the break, barely though, with the tires really screetching.

Sorry if the description is poor - just wondering if anyone could tell me what could cause that?

Two people helped me get it off the road - said 2 things 1) the break pedal was really tight and 2) they could smell the brakse (brake fluid maybe... I dunno).

I'm going to see if I can get it to my mechanic tomorrow, see if he can check it out, make sure there is nothing wrong and hopefully that was just a once off...

First thing to check is the brake fluid level, if one reservior is low, something is leaking. Or the master cylinder may have "bypassed" internally, you lose the pedal but not the fluid. It spits itself back into the reservoir.

Get it to your mechanic, have it towed if you can't drive it safely.

Bob

Check the fluid level and also check the inside walls of the tires. When a wheel cylinder or caliper leaks , it usually sprays and will mark the tire. It will be very shiny black. You might also feel under the master cylinder and see if it is wet. Good luck on you brakes.

Thanks for your opinions Bob and fla1976.

I think your right Bob. Something is leaking -
My Mum just took my car out to have it checked by my mechanic. Same thing happened to her, brake pedal just went loose, right down to the floor. She said someone told her they could see fluid leaking...:shakehead :banghead:

Either we'll get the car towed to the mechanics or my Dad told her he'd get brake fluid and drive it to the mechanic (10 min drive to our mechanics). I'm thinking it is safer to just have it towed though.

Another question. If it is brake fluid leaking how much would the repair cost? Just a guess... ? Would be a lot ... what would cause brake fluid to leak... hope it isn't a major prob ....:eek:

Thanks!

You probably just popped a brake line somewhere. They're just steel lines, and they rot out just like any other piece of steel. It shouldn't be more than a few hundred bucks to have all the lines changed (even if you only lost one, the rest probably aren't too far behind), depending on how hard they are to get to (the lines themselves are very cheap, you'll be paying mostly labor). Its also possible that your calipers or wheel cylinders could need changed while everything is apart, which may add on another hundred or so in parts.

All things considered, I wouldn't worry too much. Just make sure you get an estimate that includes what parts and labor will cost. I'm sure someone on here can tell you if it sounds reasonable.

Hey buddy

Well it sounds like you wore out your master cylinder. Nothing major. To be able to tell, let your car cool down for 2 to 3 hours. Then start it up and drive it slow. When the car is cold, you should have a decent amount of pressure in the break pedal. As you drive and break more often, the fluid heats up and you'll notice that the pedal starts going to the ground again. The reason for that is because the master cylinder has rubber gaskets which leak out when it gets hot and old.

You just need to replace it and bleed out the system. Probably a $150 fix.

Sometimes when the brake pedal goes all the way down, and "appears loose" it could be a case of airbubbles in your lines. Sometime, you have to bleed the brakes dry and then refill the fluid. Like someone else pointed out earlier, if your brake fulid is low, then there is a leak somewhere.

Hey buddy

Well it sounds like you wore out your master cylinder. Nothing major. To be able to tell, let your car cool down for 2 to 3 hours. Then start it up and drive it slow. When the car is cold, you should have a decent amount of pressure in the break pedal. As you drive and break more often, the fluid heats up and you'll notice that the pedal starts going to the ground again. The reason for that is because the master cylinder has rubber gaskets which leak out when it gets hot and old.

You just need to replace it and bleed out the system. Probably a $150 fix.

That almost describes my car perfectly. Yeah, usually when I first start my car in the morning or on a cold day the brakes are really tight or stiff and soon loosen up (bit too much)...

Anyway, that was the problem. It was the brake cylinder - it was worn out. Mechanic replaced it and my car is right to be picked up today.

Thanks all for your opinions!!

I wish you luck my friend. The last time I had my master cylinder replaced, my brakes never felt the same way again. They just didn't have a good feel to them. But, at least they work and they stop much better than my old ones.

Good luck and take care.