I was hoping it wasn't the master cylinder, but I think I can get a used one for $50 from the junkyard. Are they easy to replace? I've never done them before, so it will be an experience I guess. As for checking the brakes, I haven't done that in a long time, and they have never given an indication that they were going bad (I replaced the front ones 2 years ago, but not the sensors, so the light that warns you about the brakes needing replacement has been on since). It's 4 wheel discs, so checking them isn't a problem I guess, I can do that today or tommorrow, depending on the weather, it's raining currently.