who knows stuff about cars?

[Akeel]

my brakes haven't been working properly in my car, so i took it to the shop today and the mechanic said the master cylinder needs to be replaced since its just hit the 100,000km mark. They were so bad I had to use the ebrake to stop a few times.

Is this a legitimate problem or am i being ripped off?

[Sh4n3]

did they just feel powerless and "mashy"?

[Akeel]

^
yeah exactly - i thought i was probably leaking brake fluid, but apparently the master cylinder is dying.

[ßaRtEk]

maybe you have air in your lines.........

[tvmann]

If the brake pedal goes down slowly when you press on it, that means a seal or O ring in the master cylinder is worn out. But if it goes down really slow you can put off getting them fixed for a while. Sounds like yours are in more urgent need of work.

Got enough brake fluid? Usually a light will come on if low.

That's about all I know - my car's brakes seem to be lasting forever, over 180,000 km and no servicing at all.

The dealers and larger service places like to replace parts more than the small places. If you can find a smaller shop that specializes in your car, they are more willing to find ways to fix the problem at lower cost.

[Akeel]

yeah its pretty fucked, it was going down very quickly and not catching at all, been using this shop for a while now though so i think they're decent. u can never be too safe though

[MC Hammered]

I wouldn't screw around with the brakes as what the hell are you going to do when they completely go and you can't stop in time?

If it isn't working I'd get it fixed.

Get into an accident and ICBC finds out your negligence and you are screwed.

[SEAN!]

Originally posted by Akeel
my brakes haven't been working properly in my car, so i took it to the shop today and the mechanic said the master cylinder needs to be replaced since its just hit the 100,000km mark. They were so bad I had to use the ebrake to stop a few times.

Is this a legitimate problem or am i being ripped off?

its pretty legit if you cant even stop your car

[Kandyapple]

yah get your breaks done man. just if you feel like your getting ripped off make sure everything is clear and you have an estimate done before they work on your car. my mom just got her breaks done for the 4th time lately. i think she actualy is getting screwed around cuz they keep bumping up the cost and saying they still need to order parts but the origional agreement was that they were supposed to already have the parts they say she has to pay extra for now. so yah she is pissed but breaks are not something you can just leave. if your worried about getting ripped off then go to some place like canadian tire they are usualy legit and most likely they will do the job right the first time not using cheep parts like my mom has experianced lately.

[MC Hammered]

Just go to Midas.

[shorerider]

Try getting them bled first, but if the master cylinder is gone, well, you'll need a new one. plain and simple.

[*Geminiz*]

Get a second opinion if you are unsure, it's unlikely that both will tell you the same thing and be lieing about it. I can recommend a really reliable mechanic but I'm sure you've got lots of people telling you that! :)

[Hot Karl]

matt hoffman doesn't use brakes when he rides. why should you?

[shorerider]

Originally posted by Hot Karl
matt hoffman doesn't use brakes when he rides. why should you?

good point, I would remove all braking systems all together. In fact, I'm going to go do that on my van right now!

[alkatraz]

What kind of car??

If it's a domestic, 100,000km sounds ok for a MC replacement..

If it's a import you shouldn't have that problem until much later on...


However, get a second opinion...

And when you do, don't tell them what you know.. just go in saying "my brakes are squealing" or something and get them to check it out to see if they can discover it. (I find that if you tell them something may be a problem, they will automaticaly jump all over it and try and milk you, instead of determining the actual problem)

[inkster]

wow. 15 posts and not one breakbeat pun yet.

ps, alkatraz, your avat0r is frickin' rad.

[pbreak]

Originally posted by tvmann
If the brake pedal goes down slowly when you press on it, that means a seal or O ring in the master cylinder is worn out. But if it goes down really slow you can put off getting them fixed for a while. Sounds like yours are in more urgent need of work.

Got enough brake fluid? Usually a light will come on if low.

That's about all I know - my car's brakes seem to be lasting forever, over 180,000 km and no servicing at all.

The dealers and larger service places like to replace parts more than the small places. If you can find a smaller shop that specializes in your car, they are more willing to find ways to fix the problem at lower cost.

everything this guy says is true, but just to make sure we're on the right page - he means when you press the brake pedal but are stopped and the pedal still goes down. If this is happening, there is a very small possibility that you just have air in your lines, but more likely you need a new master cylinder. If it's not in an annoying spot you can even change it yourself, it's really very easy - and you can get rebuilt master cylinders with all the stuff you need to bleed the air out (and instructions) at Lordco for only $40-$50 - worthwhile if you feel confident enough about doing it or about a friend doing it for you.

[Smokey]

Originally posted by shorerider
Try getting them bled first, but if the master cylinder is gone, well, you'll need a new one. plain and simple.

definatly check to see if you are low, or if you have been low then air may have gotten in there.

i'd go with mr. alkatraz's suggestion as well.

[Akeel]

Picking her up tonite - it was the master cylinder.

Thanx for the help guys :)