EliteCM.net

So, as I was leaving my neighborhood today, I noticed my brakes felt funny. I decided to keep going so I could get to a better road to test them. I got my speed up then eased on the brakes and they went to the floor and barely did anything. Now, if you ease on them they work, just not very well. It is drivable, but not safe. So, I parked it and I am driving a rx now. My Dad is going to take it to the mechanic, but I just kinda wanted to get an idea of maybe what is wrong. I checked the fluid and it is above low but not at high. Something that is weird though, is that if you slam on them, they work fine. I have no clue as to what is going on. I don't think it is pads because I figured that would have been a gradual thing but this was instant. Any ideas? Thanks!

It definitely sounds like a fluid issue.  You might have enough, but something is preventing the fluid from pressing the calipers together.

A brake system is very similar to a hydrolic system.  Just as a hydrolic system is dependent upon hydrolic fluid to work, so is a brake system dependent upon brake fluid to work.  You might have a hole in a line, a kinked line, or any number of things could go wrong between the fluid reservoir and the calipers.

The good news is your dad it taking it in tomorrow.  Don't waste any time diagnosing brake issues.  Probably the most important system on the car.

I have a feeling it's something with your brake fluid also.  It could be air in the line, a leak in the line, or even a bad brake master cylinder.  Since your dad is taking your car to the mechanic, let them do whatever needs to be done.  The good thing is that you're safe Bill.

Get it fixed right away! How many miles are on your car, and are you still using OEM pads and rotors?

Sounds like the master cylinder.

That shouldn't be too hard to fix then.  Swapping out a brake master cylinder is pretty easy actually.

I'm actually inclined to agree with Paul. I've seen master cylinders go out and cause exactly what it is you're describing Bill. The good thing is, your old man is taking it in to get fixed. As for his "disappointment" with your car, it has its age and things do happen. Its not like he bought you a new car so he can't expect it to behave as such.

The mechanic called me around 12:00 yesterday. They checked the entire braking system and everything was in good shape except the master cylinder. It was on its way out. So that is being replaced. There wasn't one in town, so I have to wait till Monday and keep driving the mom suv. The total bill was $407 for part, diagnoses, and labor. I'm not sure if that is high or not but it's too late if it is.

I'm sure Paul will be waiting for his diagnosis fee. If he doesn't take it, I will for agreeing with him.

I am more than happy to pay you guys the diagnosis fee as long as the same rules apply. Diagnosis fee goes towards the bill.

Considering we're not the mechanics working on it and we're a whole other knowledge base, those rules don't apply. It's like taking it to one shop for diagnosis and having another shop do the work. In all seriousness, at least it's an easy fix.

It looks like Paul was right.  I did mention the brake master cylinder first, so I expect a cut.

Damn. That's a three way diagnosis fee payment. Start coughing it up Bill.

Sounds like he took it hard enough up the ass with $400 repair bill........

New OEM master cylinder List $166, my cost $124, so my charge for this job would have been like $200, sorry.

Wow, that does suck. Oh, well. It'll be fixed. Z, Tim, and Paul, checks are in the mail.

damn it. i think thats the issue ive been having with mine too. a few times i go to brake and sense major brake fade until you almost throw out your knee pressing so hard on the pedal. i thought my aftermarket brakes were shit.

At least they're fixed Bill...it does suck finding out you could have had ti done for less though...but that's expected with auto repair shops!

Ouch. How's your ass feel Bill?
Thank you much.  :lol:

lol sweet!

Sounds like my moochy younger brother. In that case, ask your dad how HIS ass feels.

^+1

^ +2


For the record, you can hit the "donate" button below the banner to pay me.

Z, I'll ask him when he gets the bill. I mean, it is his car. If my name were on the title I would be paying. Tim, paypal is in the mail.

Gotcha. BTW, how does paypal in the mail work?

I don't really know. I guess I could have said paypal is in process.

BULLSHIT!!

It's on its way just like their checks  :? . Not sure where they went but that was a hell of a test drive.

Damn, look at all the crap in that bill.....

$219.17 for a part with a dealer list of $166
$67.67 a hr labor, WTF did they come up with that number?.?.?.?.
ohh and I love this nickel and dime crap $279 for brake fluid and $3.95 for brake cleaner then lets add another $7.32 for disposal and supplies?.?.?.?.?.

 :crazy:  

one word ......  stealership

Parts should be cheaper, but that labor is cheap to me.  Shops around here charge an average of $90/hr.

$67.67 is a weird number though.  I would have expected either $65 or $70.

That's weird. Normally, this place is pretty inexpensive compared to other places. That kinda bothers me. It makes me want to call the nearest Honda Dealer and see what they would charge...
Surprisingly, it wasn't a dealership. It was Tom's Automotive in Tupelo, MS.

damn they put alot of miles on. probably grabbed coffees too. lol but i cant believe they charged you for spraying brake cleaner. i doubt they used a whole can of that stuff lol

Yeah.  They ripped your father off.

Haha I told him and his response was at least your brakes work now. Thanks for the help guys!

It's good to know someone has money to burn.

Well, it is too late to do anything about it and they work, so why be pissed? Obviously, he would have rather spend less, this is just the shop we always use for non-warranty cars.

I'd look for another shop.  They're ripping your father off and nickle and diming him to jack up their price.

I'll look at some. Hopefully I won't need one for a while though.

Sorry to revive a 2 year old thread, but I have a relevant question in regards to the master cylinder. I noticed more recently that whenever I'm sitting at a stop with my foot on the brake pedal, it will soften up and sink about an inch. It's not much, but it's enough for me to notice and think what the hell? From what I've gathered online, it's one of the signs that the master cylinder is on its way out.

My car has 92,000 miles. What's a standard life interval of the master cylinder? I looked up on www.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com), and they've got a Raybestos remanufactured one for $60. What kind of work is required to replace it?

Thanks for the help in advance. I also renamed the topic to make it easier to understand what it's about.

Its rare to see a master cylinder to go bad. I've only replaced a few. Its mainly domestic cars that I replace. As for replacing it, you'll need a line wrench to take off the brake lines that connects to the master cylinder. Before you install the new master, you will need to bench bleed the master cylinder before installing. Afterwards, you will need to then bleed off all the lines from each corner of the car.

Strange.  I've had my MC on my car for 200k and no problems even after the brake upgrades I've done.  If you want, I can PM you the instructions on how to test it to see if your MC needs to be replaced.

Thien, thanks for the info. Tim, that'd be great. It would definitely be better to know for sure if it really is the MC going bad.

Hey Tim would you mind sending me the instructions as well

Yeah. I'll try to remember to do that tonight when I get home.