How serious is my brake problem, or are they trying to cheat me?

Question

I took my car in to get the tires rotated, balanced and aligned today and got a call that apparently the guy noticed a squeaking when he pulled the car in and they checked and my front callipers are leaking brake fluid. Apparently I need new callipers, new brake pads and a brake fluid flush and it is going to be over $700.

I have not noticed any difference in my brake performance, any noise from them, or any leaking fluids but this guy told me that brake fluid does leak because of the high tempature it just gums up. I looked around on the internet and it sounds like it would be leaking and I would be able to see it.

I need opinions as to whether it should be leaking and this guy is just trying to make money off of me or if this sounds legitimate and I could really have a problem but have noticed nothing. Thanks!

Answer 1

If the front caliper is truly leaking fluid, they should be able to disassemble it and show you were the fluid is leaking, or show you that your brake pads are saturated with brake fluid.

Brake fluid does leak, and you may not see the leak on the ground as brake fluid may combine with the brake dust generated in the area by the brake pads.

I would definitely get a second opinion, but if the brake caliper is leaking, it does need to be either rebuilt or replaced.

If the caliper gets replaced, you'll need to get the brakes bleed (or as he's calling it brake fluid flushed) and new pads.

Over $700 sounds a tad steep, but it depends on the cost of your calilper for your car, some brake calipers can be real expensive (excluding the actual caliper replacement, and cost of the caliper). The remainder of the brake job should be about $250-$300.

Answer 2

Get a second opinion. It sounds like the pucks in the calipers are leaking. You may not see any fluid on the ground because it doesn't leak alot, just enough to make the brake pads sticky, but it will only get worse. If you continue to drive it make sure you check the fluid reservoir and keep it full. If it starts to leak more you will be seeing the reservoir go down. But try a different mechanic, you may get a better price and you might not need all the parts they quoted you at the other mechanic.

Answer 3

Sounds like a rip off the me,brake fluid leaking cannot cause a squeal no matter what kind of car it is.If you have a dealership in your area get them to do a CHECK only and give you an estimate,the reason I say dealer there usually more expensive than anyone else.BUT don't go back to the guys that are having a slow day or week,also some shops pay there techs a commission for up selling work, 15 to 20% not bad money if you can get it.

Answer 4

Dunno what kinda car u have, but $700 sounds high. Try this, call a parts store in your area, give them the make and model of your vehicle and ask them the price of calipers, brake pads and 2qts brake fluid. Most of what the guy is charging you is labor, the rest is markup on the parts, in his case i'd bet 100% markup.
This is not a hard job for you to do if you have tools and a basic knowledge of mechanics....if no knowledge then either go to a library or if u have a large bookstore, say Borders or Waldenbooks or whatever and go to the automotive section, they sell repair giudes for mostly all makes under the Chiltons brand, it'll give you step by step directions on how to do the job.
BTW, just b'cause ur brakes r still working fine doesn't mean the guy may not b telling the truth and u really have leaks, have them checked by another mechanic or yourself, don't just put the problem out of your mind or it may come back 2 bite u in the a** in a panic stop.
Good luck and GOD bless.

Answer 5

I agree with the first answer.

1) NEVER return to that place.

2) There is generally a friend of a friend who can change brake pads, they are fairly easy and should not cost more than $20-30 per tire at a brake shop, if you do go back to another

3) Brake calipers are easy to fix too, i sat and watched a friend change mine quickly (most mechanics charge per hour). These can leak but check your brake fluid resivoir too, its a little plastic bottle under your hood and the lid should say brake fluid. If this is starting to get low, then yah add a little more in and go from there.

4) if your brakes to squeal that IS a built in "dummy light" indicator. but again you should be able to get all 4 pads changed at a place for around $100 if you look for sales papers. Nothing about brakes I can possibly imagine can run you $700. not unless you just bought your car from an antique scrap yard.

5) .......i would find a journalist friend to expose that mechanic. lol

Answer 6

well first if it was leaking it would be low in your master cylinder for 2 if you know some one mechanically inclined to jasck your car up and pull the tire you pump the brakes as they look to see if they see a leak or take it to a nother garage have them check it if they say it isnt everything they are claiming you know you are being took and not to sound piggish might get a different result if you have a guy take it in for some reason women are a target for a scam when it comes to auto shops and dont know what kind of car you have but 700 is nuts for anycar dont sound like it is legit but check with someone else to check them because you dont wanna play when it comes to brakes and another thing is if it is a 700 dollar isswue then it would be unsafe and they by law cant let you drive off in a vehicle if they inspect it andfind a safety hazzard if they do and something ha[ppened they could be held liable get a second oppinion and good luck

Answer 7

brake caliper's leaking isnt all that common, its not impossible , but its pretty rare unless your car has alot of miles, and brake fluid doesnt gum up.. it it leaks it leaks all over the inside of the wheels and on the tires, they should be willing to show you the leak, if you go by there, just take someone who knows even a little bit about a car and they will be able to see if theres a leak, I wont say they are trying to soak you, but for that much money you should get a good look at it and see if you really have a problem of they are just having a slow week?

Answer 8

if fluid were leaking your brakes would act differently (not stopping without pushing really hard on the pedal)and you would need to add fluid. squeaking would indicate a need for new pads. this is a regular maintenance procedure. and 700.00 sound very unreasonable for calipers unless you own say a lambourgini or some other exotic car. if your are worried about the cost of the parts check it out at Rockauto it is a cool site for pricing parts.

Answer 9

wow this guy should be arrested what a scam if brake fluid leaks out it is under high pressure and you will notice it the brake pedal would be soft and eventually the brake light would come on I have done thousands of brake jobs and have never seen a fluid leak that just gums up from the heat I would take it somewhere else and have it double checked and don't tell them what the other shop said and just see if they find anything

Answer 10

Dont ever go back to this guy. I would change the pads if they are worn, change the brake fluid, and clean up any evidence of leaks and then check back once a week for leaks again.