Brake Line Leak? Getting Screwed by Dealer?

HpyGlmore2 · #1 03-19-2007, 08:13 PM

I'm 23 and have my old family car: a 1995 Camry with 123K miles on it. I brought it in for a routine oil change to the local dealer (just moved here), and well I think they are trying to screw me. The car is in good condition. While "changing the oil," they somehow inspected my entire car and told me i need new rear and front brakes, as well as new roters (which I knew what coming up). Here is the kicker:
They pointed out rust on 1 of the 4 brake lines and tried to convince me that it was leaking. They want to replace all 4 lines, as well as fuel lines (they say they are near), and that parts and labor run over 1000. With the brake/rotor work, another 1000, they are pushing me to skip the repairs and put a downpayment on a new car.

I just put 1K+ in new belts for my 120K maintenance (timing belt included), and I am quite shocked by this 2K repair bill.

I think they are trying to screw me with this 1K brake line "leak." I have posted a picture.

(better resolution picture at: http://hpyglmore2.tripod.com/car/index.album)

My brake pads are worn (15% left) and the fluid level has gone down slightly in 3 years, but nothing major. I have attached a picture of the area. It is right next to the front drivers side wheel. Any advice?

Brian R. · #2 03-19-2007, 09:25 PM

Leave while you still have your clothing.

ProMan · #3 03-20-2007, 10:17 AM

Very typical dealer rip off practice.

Yes, you have a leak, and if it's brake, you should get it fixed asap. But, that doesn't mean you need someone to rob you.

Replace all 4 brake lines? Why? Are they all leaking? Can't be! And even with the current leaking, I highly doubt it has anything to do with "brake lines". Very possible it's the caliper/wheel cylinder is leaking. No need for replacing lines. Period. My point is, pin point where the leak is and fix "that". Not "Oh you got a leak, you need to replace everything".

And fuel lines? They are near? Bullshxt!! Just like Brian said, get out of there asap before they eat you alive. Just say "No thanks, I will find someone else to fix it".

Go find a local mechanic (maybe AAA certified facility) and see what he says. Let us know the story.....

HpyGlmore2 · #4 03-20-2007, 10:55 AM

I topped off my brake fluid to max so I can be sure if any is leaking.
I am going to another mechanic tomorrow that was recommended by cartalk. I will have them check it out and I'll post back here.

Thanks for the advice!

Mike Gerber · #5 03-20-2007, 02:13 PM

"I am going to another mechanic tomorrow that was recommended by cartalk."

Great move. Going to another mechanic was going to be my suggestion. The car talk website is a great source for someone new to the area. I had forgotten about their MechaniX files.

Mike

davemac2 · #6 03-20-2007, 02:46 PM

Definitely find another dealer or an independent mech. You don't need this hard sell. Having said that however, your pic DOES show some corrosion on one of the lines that you need to be concerned with. If it actually is leaking there, it is prudent from a safety standpoint that you get it repaired and the rest of the lines inspected by the other mech to be sure. I don't know it hydraulic lines can be spliced or maybe they don't do it because of more potential leak points created, but there may be a few alternatives to a repair approach.

dave mc

HpyGlmore2 · #7 03-21-2007, 09:59 AM

So I went to an independent mechanics dealer today to check out the brake line leak. They said that something is leaking (as mentioned in this thread), but they say it is not from the brake line. There is rust from a leak, but they are not sure where, and its hard to find and doesn't make sense to start taking things apart. They suggested I keep an eye on all my fluids.

They also checked my brakes, and said I needed new front ones, and the rear ones had about 30% left. They turned the front rotors and added new Toytoa brakes to the front.

Total cost: 81 parts, 90 labor. They also adjusted the E-brake for the rear wheel at no charge. I can definitely feel the difference when I use it!

Does anyone have any opinions on the leak? Can that rust be from salt/ice on the road? Oil leak? What other fludis could it be from?

Brian R. · #8 03-21-2007, 10:36 AM

Where are the lines you took the picture of? What is above the site of the rust?

HpyGlmore2 · #9 03-21-2007, 10:44 AM

The dealer told me those are the 4 brake fliud lines. They are located underneath the driver's feet, about a foot in from the driver front tire. The picture is of the section right after the cable bends 90 deg.

davemac2 · #10 03-21-2007, 11:39 AM

It does not make sense the rust is caused by the leak if it is hydraulic fluid. You would think the rust caused the leak. Maybe you have water running down the firewall or from the A/C or something, or maybe it is corrosion from road salt.

To find it fast though, it would be best if that area is thoroughly cleaned with a degreaser or brake cleaner and then a foot powder spray or something similar is dusted onto the area. Check it every few weeks depending upon how much brake fluid you are losing if any.

Did you get a quote from the second mechanic on the one brake line replacement?

dave mc

HpyGlmore2 · #11 03-21-2007, 03:08 PM

Just to make it clear, the brake line at that spot never leaked, or is leaking. I didn't notice any loss in brake fluid level in the master cylinder at all. That's where the dealer was trying to rip me a new one - he said it was leaking.

I didn't ask for a quote because the independent mechanic told me that that 1 pipe has some rust on it, and was not leaking.

Something is dripping/causing the rust... and that is what I am not sure about. How does the degreaser/foot spray help?

davemac2 · #12 03-21-2007, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HpyGlmore2

Something is dripping/causing the rust... and that is what I am not sure about. How does the degreaser/foot spray help?

Well if you know for sure the brake lines are not leaking, then not much. But you still have an issue with a corroded brake line, right? Is this car usually driven in harsh winters with road salt? Is your coolant level stable?

dave mc

HpyGlmore2 · #13 03-21-2007, 04:58 PM

The car is in New England where we have sleet/snow/ice and harsh road salt all the time.

My antifreeze level hasn't changed much in the past year. I'm not sure how that one could drip down there (but I'm no expert).
Do you think it is safe to secure some cardboard by the brake lines to check for drips? Is it in danger of burning up? (how hot does brake fluid get). I think some pipe ties will do the trick.

davemac2 · #14 03-21-2007, 06:54 PM

well, that corrosion is likely from winter conditions then I would think, given the age of the car.

Why did your mechanic say something was leaking? Was this specific area wet with a residue? Was the residue colored, oily? Any description?

HpyGlmore2 · #15 03-21-2007, 07:14 PM

He gave me the impression that something was leaking on to it, but he said there was no way of knowing for sure unless he took everything (which he told me didni't make sense to do).

There is a grimy black oily residue, but that could be from the undercoat, or years of dirt buildup....

He wanted me to monitor it, and thats why I am suggesting using cardboard. Will it catch on fire?

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD