What's wrong with the brakes on my '97 Nissan Sentra?

Question

Hi. I am without a doubt that I will have to go to my mechanic. I just want some advice so I walk in the door prepared. My brake light came on and the brakes are pushing all the way to the floor. When I put new fluid in the resevoir (I checked and it was needed) I pumped the brakes a few times in the driveway, backed the car up, and could clearly see where the fluid had leaked straight onto the ground. What's wrong with my brakes and is this going to cost me an arm and a leg right before Christmas? I have access to a garage bay. Any DYI advice? I have experience changing my pads, so I'm not completely mechanically incompetent.
Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

Since you saw where the fluid was leaking can you determine what it is? Are you capable of replacing what is leaking and properly bleeding the system out? If not I would take it to a professional, brakes are not a DIY repair if you are not mechanically inclined and know what you are doing. You risk your life and others by attempting to be a mechanic.

Answer 2

Firstly, you must figure out where the leak actually is. If you see a puddle, is it by a wheel (brake hose) or is it more central (leaking master cylinder)?? At this age it is also likely that one of your metal brake lines has rusted through. This usually happens because the owner hasn't read his owner's manual and doesn't know that brake fluid must be changed every two (2) years, or it turns corrosive and eats up brake system parts (and lines) Have the whole system examined at a brake shop and take your best shot!!!

Answer 3

its just a line or a hose , if you can change the pads you can change a line it's easy

you just cut out the bad part get new line and put it back together with compression fittings unless it is easier to change the whole line


and dont forget to bled them when done starting furthest from the master