Brakes!

[sjents]

Out of nowhere yesterday, I felt the resistance in my brake pedal decreasing during my commute home. While the car will stop, I can put my foot "to the floor" on the brake pedal before I get any feedback. Checked the master cylinder, it was bone dry. Didn't see any leaks around the master cylinder (But it was dark when I looked, and I only glanced at it for a few seconds). How can I check to make sure it's the master cylinder??? Any replies would be appreciated.

[fredk]

fill it up first and start tapping on the pedal to get all the air out, just push it down slightly and let go, now take the nuts off that hold the master to the booster and look for brake fluid, if it has been leaking alot you will see it running down the front under the master cyl.

[maxpower_hd]

You may also have a leak elsewhere. Before removing any bolts from the master cyclinder, try checking the lines. Jack the car up and place jack stands under it. Follow the lines from the front all the way to the back. Also check the inside of the rear wheels to see if it might be a rear wheel cylinder. Lastly, I had this problem myself, you could need rear brake pads. If they are worn enough you can loose a little fluid from the seals in the rear wheel cylinders because they are slightly over extended.

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

[sjents]

So here's the score thus far:

took a quick looksie under the hood....Boom....fluid all over where the master cylinder meets the brake booster. Regardless, I filled the reservoir up with fluid and evrything has been decent since then. It certainly doesn't feel "normal", but I figure it's a decent band-aid until I get a chance to look at length this evening. I'm beginning to think there's a 95% chance I need a new master cylinder, which isn't a big deal. I appreciate the posts, and I will certainly let everyone know the results after this evening's diagnosis/repair event.

[maxpower_hd]

Sounds like a pretty good diagnosis given all the fluid gushing out.

Good luck.

[sjents]

Well, not to shatter the dreams of those who wanted me to take care of the problem, but I took a look at the master cylinder yesterday and it appears to have held the fluid in it since this past weekend. Thus, I will do the old "add fluid as necessary" until the thing is completely shot. I'm just a lazy, lazy person I guess. Either way, I will keep everyone posted once I decide to tackle the issue. For now, I'll just be "Mr. Brake Fluid topper-offer" until further notice.