Thank you very much for this post (I know it's an old thread, but it is still relevant). Due to my husband's disability I have been thrust into a role I find very challenging; car maintenance and repair person for the household. Personally I would much rather play "June Clever" and wear a pearl necklace with high heels
but life throws us curv balls. Seriously though, in all likeleyhood this new found knowledge may have saved my life.
I was preparing the car for a 7,000 mile trip that involves driving in the mountains with steep grades. It goes without saying good brakes are an obvious necessity and not to be overlooked. I took my car in for new brake pads which, at first glance, seemed to be a relatively easy thing to do; a little research about brake pads, prices, a reliable shop, and done, OR NOT. Long story short, after leaving the repair shop (my third visit) I experienced a very serious problem with my brakes only two miles down the road. The shop had finally fixed my squealing breaks (long story). However, my brake peddle sunk to the floor at the traffic light. I immediatley knew this was very serious, and I knew this wasn't a problem before they "fixed" the rubbing/squealing/grinding "new" brakes that I had paid them to put a few weeks ago.
Anyway, the experience and knowledge I found here helped me to recognize exactly what had happened. I returned to the shop, and in my "this is what will happen manner" I explained the problem and what they will do to fix it. It was my "non-negotiable" voice, and not the "June Clever" voice they were accustomed to. Within a very brief period of time they fixed my car. Though they never admitted there was EVER a problem with my brake peddle, my car now has brakes that don't squeal/sqeak/grind and it has a brake peddle that will actually stop my car. Amazing how much effort and knowledge it took to get this done... Sigh
I suspect being an elderly female in a rural area where "older" men incorrectly assume women are an easy target (they forgot women can read now) played a significant role in this unbelievably dangerous saga... Thanks again, you're a lifesaver, literally! Please don't stop posting and don't stop asking questions. There are thousands of us who need this knowledge.