My Brake Fluid Is All Gone!
 

Hi all,

Went to pop to the shops the other day and realised my brakes weren't working! Pedal goes all the way to the end and barely does anything, just about feel it braking a smidge when fully depressed.

Had the RAC out and they can't see any leaks, so seem pretty sure it's the brake master cylinder. Just wanted to see if anyone has replaced this in the past? I normally do work on cars with my Dad but he's in Essex and I've just moved to Surrey - can't exactly drive the car back with no breaks! How difficult is it? I'd like to do it myself if I can - but also don't want to completely balls it up!

Also, does anyone know anyone good trustworthy garages in the Epsom area which I could consult if I decide not to do this myself?

Thanks in advance all, hope you're in good health.

Is there any sign of it going into the engine via the vacuum pipe - no smoke from the exhaust or evidence of fluid inside the vacuum pipe? I would make doubly sure of no leaking pipe underneath as it is not uncommon now given the age of our cars. Maybe give the pipe run over the fuel tank particular attention if no sign of more obvious leaking.

Brake master cylinders are pretty robust. I can't remember reading about a failure yet, but I suppose they will fail eventually. In my experience, the first place the brakes fail is through corrosion of the steel pipes, either on the long underbody runs front to rear or from their connections to the flex hoses at the wheels. The front wheel ends are expecially vulnerable.


TC

As said Ellis, have a look at the brake pipe run from front to rear under the floorpan on the driver's side. The pipes are prone to rusting where they're held in the plastic clips.

What's the level like in the master cylinder?

Simon

Thanks all - when I get a chance I will go out and have a look, try to find someone local with a ramp to get it up. If it is pipe corrosion rather than brake master cylinder, is this an expensive fix does anyone know?

The parts are cheap. It's always the labour which makes repairs expensive.

Simon

I have the exact same problem in my 190 that is being recommissioned.

It was working fine then a couple of days later pedal to the floor, as the car had been parked for a number of years I was expecting a seal to pop somewhere or a corroded brake pipe but no leaks and certainly no loss of fluid.

I haven't yet explored the possibility of a brake valve failing if there is one, if not then the master it must be.

Check the plastic pipe from the brake servo as these tend to break through age or if its come apart.

"Check the plastic pipe from the brake servo as these tend to break through age or if its come apart".
If the servo pipe failed you would get a solid pedal as the servo wouldn't be operating.

And don't forget these cars have dual circuit brakes, it would be very unusual for both circuits to fail at the same time?
In which case if it's through fluid leaks it should be easy to see.

It does happen Gordon when both brake lines under the floorpan corrode; please see my post no. 4. Leakage here is easy to see and feel so the OP could do it himself (snow permitting).

Simon

I'm sure it is, that's why I said "unusual", maybe one pipe failed, leading to extra strain on the other circuit leading to that pipe leaking?