Brake problem

[S80T60James]

Hello,

On my way home from work the brake pedal went from working normally to needing to be completely pressed to the floor to stop the car. I was pootling along in stop start traffic varying between 0 and 30mph.

Any ideas what the cause might be and the cost to sort it (at a garage).

Cheers.

[Sailor 64]

Could be as simple as boiled brake fluid (especially if it hasn't been changed in a while, the pads are well worn or there is a brake binding) in which case you'll be looking at roughly 1 hour labour plus brake fluid. That wouldn't cover the cost of freeing / changing a caliper and a set of pads if necessary. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (it absorbs water) and as such needs to be changed regularly (every two years as a minimum). Because I'm quite heavy on my brakes, and I frequently tow at near max weights, I change mine annually.

Alternatively you could be looking at a failed hose, pipe or caliper seals. In which case budget for at least an hour of labour (more likely 2 or 3) plus replacement parts including brake fluid and possibly pads if worn or contaminated.

Worst case would be failed seals in the master cylinder - brake fluid dripping off the pedal onto the carpet is a sure giveaway of this expensive problem.

[S80T60James]

Hello,

Thanks for that. I ought to have said that my car was recently serviced and I had new discs and pads at the front - I don't know if the brake fluid was done or not...

Cheers.