Newarcher Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 I have a 2001 Dodge Ram. Until about a week ago, no problems. I had a complete brake job last year on the front and back. I noticed recently that the brakes were taking longer to stop. I just figured I wore the pads out again, I drive a lot and am somewhat lead footed. But going home yesterday, the pedal on the truck would go most of the way to the floor and was very spongy. The truck would stop but the harder I pushed the pedal, it didn't seem to change how fast I was stopping. Kind of like stopping a ship at sea. On the way home, the ABS and Brake light both came on. I stopped and found that the master cylinder resovoir was almost empty. I stopped at a local shop and had it checked expecting to find that I had a leaking caliper at 98K miles. The mechanic looked at it and said he didn't see any leaks on the front or back and that I had 70% wear left on all of my pads. He felt that the last people who did my brake job might have bled the brakes but not refilled the tank. He refilled the tank for me and I left. When I left, the ABS light and brake light were still on but he said that the ABS unit needed a few miles to get filled back up and that it should go off. The brakes seemed better but still not normal. I drove it to work today and the lights are still on after about 40 miles. Braking is back to being terrible. Any ideas? A leak he didn't notice? A bad ABS unit? Thanks, New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clay008 Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I am not a mechanic but, I would think there has to be a leak somewhere because of the fluid getting low after just being topped off. I would carry around brake fluid to make sure you can fill the resevoir so that you will be able to stop. I would take the truck to a shop to be looked at or check all the lines and brake equipment to see if you notice a leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Well, the fluid seems to be holding since last night when he topped it off and I haven't seen any leaks in the system or on the driveway. It truly could have been that they didn't top it off after bleeding the brakes at the old shop--they were idiots, which is why I don't do business there any more. He looked hard for leaks and even showed me where he would expect one if there were any. I talked with the mechanic from last night and he seemed to think that it could be that the master cylinder got air in it. He said that sometimes if the master cylinder gets air in it, it can be damaged. He also wants to put it on the computer and pull the codes since the light is staying on. Sounds reasonable and had he wanted to screw me over, he could have done it last night. Anyone heard of air getting in the master cylinder messing it up? New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarvDog Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? [ QUOTE ] I am not a mechanic but, I would think there has to be a leak somewhere because of the fluid getting low after just being topped off. I would carry around brake fluid to make sure you can fill the resevoir so that you will be able to stop. I would take the truck to a shop to be looked at or check all the lines and brake equipment to see if you notice a leak. [/ QUOTE ] Good advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I found an article about the air locked master cylinder and that sounds exactly like what I have. The pedal just sort of squishes like a sponge. I will have to take it back into the shop today and spend a couple hundred dollars to get it fixed. Danged Dodges! New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? It very well sounds like the master Cylinder! Im thinking you have a leak somewhere too. Youre loosing compression. Did you try to pump your brakes to see if it built up pressure? Before you spend the cash to get it fixed refill and bleed you brakes again. If you still have air in the line its not going to break worth a hoot. Also, skip the expensive Computer charge. If you have an AutoZone, they hook them up for free. Or at least they do around here. If it is the master cylinder they are pretty easy to change! It only takes a couple of bolts and some lines. Its not with the money to change it! Id pic one up at a parts store and do it myself. Just dont forget to bleed the brakes.... * edited by me.... (spelling) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Shaun300 is a GM mechanic. I'm sure he'll be able to help. Maybe shoot him a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Thanks guys.....my Dad and I could probably do that but I am not car mechanically inclined.....especially when dealing with brakes. I will go by autozone though, that's a great idea. I think we have isolated the problem, hopefully it will not be anything beyond the master cylinder. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whttlbucksteve Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Good luck your heading in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? [ QUOTE ] It very well sounds like the master Cylinder! Im thinking you have a leak somewhere too. Youre loosing compression. Did you try to pump your breaks to see if it built up pressure? Before you spend the cash to get it fixed refill and bleed you breaks again. If you still have air in the line its not going to break worth a hoot. Also, skip the expensive Computer charge. If you have an AutoZone, they hook them up for free. Or at least they do around here. If it is the master cylinder they are pretty easy to change! It only takes a couple of bolts and some lines. Its not with the money to change it! Id pic one up at a parts store and do it myself. Just dont forget to bleed the brakes.... [/ QUOTE ] You hit it on the head Jeramie. Also as vehicles get older the rubber lines start to expand. They are cheap to change and you will notice a world of difference. BTW-If you are like me expect to do some bleeding on your own as well as the vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AllArmyoutdoorsSD Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I would suspect that the master cylinder is worn out, You may not find a leak if you are losing compression within the cylinder itself, basically all that is happening is the fluid is trading places within the Master cylinder, One that concerns me is you mentioned the mechanic filled the reservoir, but you didn't say he bled the brakes. that is the first step. I would follow Jeramie's advice and skip the computer, and just go to AutoZone. MHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Check the tires on the inside of the sidewalls for being wet, sounds like there is a leak somewhere in your system. Sounds like you basically have to pump the pedal to get the brakes to work and the air out of the system. Check for leaks and dampness under the undercarriage of your truck. Could have a seal in the caliper going bad, if could be a pin leak and who knows the fluid could be burning off once it hits the rotor and that may be why you can't see dampness. You can smell brake fluid too. Good luck finding the problem, when it doubt take it to a pro as having faulty brakes is not something you want to have out on the roads especially in winter weather! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I had the exact same thing happen to me a few weeks ago. Spongy brakes, slower stops. Brakes would be firm and then the peddle would slowly go down. [ QUOTE ] the master cylinder resovoir was almost empty. [/ QUOTE ] It would be quite wet around the master cylinder if it was leaking or getting porous. My problem turned out to be a leak in a brake line up in the frame on one of my back breaks. There wasn't even any evidence in the driveway, accept for a couple of very tiny drips. You definately have a leak somewhere, even if it is a slow one. It could very well be one of your brake cylinder seals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Well, it was dry yesterday and when they took my wheels off and the system apart we looked at the seals. He said they weren't leaking and when I sounded surprised and asked, are you sure he showed me. Dry as a bone in everything. Plus, I had the front seals rebuilt already. I think it is that I either have a bad master cylinder or possibly they weren't flushed. I am leaving for the shop in a few minutes and it is raining so wish me WELL. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? My truck did this almost a year ago. When you push in the brake it sounds like a semi truck air brake releasing pressure??? Also you have to stomp like fred flinstone to get your truck to slow. It'll cost you 50$ to fix if thats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? It's hard to diagnose brake problems without seeing/driving it, because there are many variables! It sounds like there's air in the master to me, you could get them to try and bleed the master cylinder. But if the primary seals in the master are leaking, there will be no external leak. This will cause pressure to be insufficient to the wheels, therefore giving you the soft break pedal. I'd say that's more than likely the problem. Your master may have to be replaced. But definetly get them to try and bleed it! Air can be very hard to get out of the master cylinder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? [ QUOTE ] My truck did this almost a year ago. When you push in the brake it sounds like a semi truck air brake releasing pressure??? Also you have to stomp like fred flinstone to get your truck to slow. It'll cost you 50$ to fix if thats it. [/ QUOTE ] That problem right there sounds like a brake booster problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted February 22, 2006 Report Share Posted February 22, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? ya thats it. MY mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? It was the master cylinder.....$400 I was kind of peeved about that price but I called two other shops before he started and that was within $25 of what they charged. He would have charged me more than $25 to put it back together to take it over there plus I would have had to go to the back of the line. There go my new bow strings! New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Viva la bowstrings! Man they arent that hard. Id call Autozone and pic one up and do it this weekend! Thats a lot of fatbacks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Air in the line/MC can easily cause that problem. The air will compress to a smaller volume under pressure. That would be the full res, but spongy pedal. Take the vehicle in and have the brake system power bled. Should cost about $25. That would be the easiest way to determine if that's the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I asked for it to be bled first and he said that while we could do that, it wouldn't explain where the fluid went. He said that he wanted to inspect the master cylinder first and look for signs of leakage. If there was none, he would not charge me for the inspection and just bleed them. I watched him closely to make sure no shenanagans went on and sure enough, the master cylinder was leaking through one of the seals to the brake booster. It works like a new vehicle now and the problem is that my wife's van is doing the same thing. I gotta get it done also. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? Hmmmmm, now the wifes van is doing it!? Is this mechanic, by any chance, a neighbor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted February 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? I wish he was a neighbor....Hank Hill across the street is a mechanic but also an ****clown. So pick your poison. If I ask him to help, I have to then deal with him and his nonsense. I may get my Dad to help me with my wife's master cylinder....they aren't that hard to replace. Bleeding the brakes is the hardest part. I don't know that there is much you can do to mess it up unless you don't bleed the brakes right. New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billkay Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Re: Any mechanics out there? You'll have to bench bleed the new MC before yu install it, if I recall correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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