What is wrong with my brakes?

Implicit · 12-21-2002, 10:58 PM

I have a serious problem here. I think there is something wrong with he hydruallics on my 87 Maxima. I took my Maxima out today after coming from school and when I pressed on the brake pedal it did not give resistance. I took out for a spin to see what was wrong and unfortunately I had to push the pedal all the way down to stop the car and the stopping distance was a little longer then usual. At first when I checked the brake fluid I found it empty. I then added some but that still did not solve the problem. The pedal gave resistance when I turnred off the car but when it was on the pedal just went all the way down again. i asked my mom what happened and she told me it was using up all the fluid way too much and she had to add some frequently like in the past three weeks.

Does anybody know where I can get the parts cheap? Can anybody give me an esitmate of how much it would cost to fix? Is there a good place to get it fixed in the Washington, D.C. area?

*maximase86* · 12-21-2002, 11:33 PM

One of a couple of things. First I would check the master brake cylinder, (you add fluid here). Look for fresh brake fluid, make sure all your lines are connected securely and properly. Try to inspect all the brake lines for cracks and leaks. Second, get the car in the air with some jackstands, remove the wheels and check all the flexible brake lines and calipers. My first guess is that you got a bad master brake cylinder, if that isn't the problem, then you got a bad caliper, or a break in the line somewhere. It may help to have someone pumping the brake while your inspecting everything. Also when your filling the resevoir, you want someone pump the brake pedal, it allows pressure to build up in the brake system. Oh one last thing. Inspect the vacuum line going into the brake booster. Start from there and keep up posted.

Sarin

Implicit · 12-21-2002, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by maximase86
One of a couple of things. First I would check the master brake cylinder, (you add fluid here). Look for fresh brake fluid, make sure all your lines are connected securely and properly. Try to inspect all the brake lines for cracks and leaks. Second, get the car in the air with some jackstands, remove the wheels and check all the flexible brake lines and calipers. My first guess is that you got a bad master brake cylinder, if that isn't the problem, then you got a bad caliper, or a break in the line somewhere. It may help to have someone pumping the brake while your inspecting everything. Also when your filling the resevoir, you want someone pump the brake pedal, it allows pressure to build up in the brake system. Oh one last thing. Inspect the vacuum line going into the brake booster. Start from there and keep up posted.

Sarin

Thanks alot! Will do! If the lines are damaged do you know how much it would cost to fix?

*GundamWZero* · 12-22-2002, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Implicit

Thanks alot! Will do! If the lines are damaged do you know how much it would cost to fix?

That is the good thing about older cars....... parts are cheaper.

mphilips · 12-23-2002, 01:58 AM

yeh me too, same issues

mechanic said it was the master cylinder was leaking, that needs to be replaced around $200 total, shoud be.

Implicit · 12-23-2002, 11:04 AM

Yes. I found out it the problem is with brake booster/master cylinder area. I poured some breake fluid in and Icould see it leaing underneath the car.

Where are you getting your car fixed and does that include the part?

Also should I order the part online?

Quote:

Originally posted by mphilips
yeh me too, same issues

mechanic said it was the master cylinder was leaking, that needs to be replaced around $200 total, shoud be.

P.S.: like your sig this truely is thebest Maxima ever they do't build em lie this anymore. Just imagine the features it had for i's day. Even the 3rd gen didn't have as many features.

mphilips · 12-23-2002, 05:27 PM

I got the master cyclinder online, http://www.thepartsbin.com/import-auto-parts.html

I am going to the dealer to put it in, cause, my local mechanic, isnt so good..

Yes Indeed Thanks, 87-88 MAX, were the best and still is.

mphilips · 12-23-2002, 05:44 PM

just rememberd, I went to the local parts store, rs straus, and they had it for $70 bucks, $30 core, so like $40 net.

*maximase86* · 12-23-2002, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mphilips
I got the master cyclinder online, http://www.thepartsbin.com/import-auto-parts.html

I am going to the dealer to put it in, cause, my local mechanic, isnt so good..

Yes Indeed Thanks, 87-88 MAX, were the best and still is.

What make you think the dealer is better? They are ripping you off if your paying $200 and supplying the part. I bet ya you can find another mechinic that can do that for you for half that price. On top of that, 85-88 is the best, not just 87-88.

Sarin

Implicit · 12-24-2002, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mphilips
I got the master cyclinder online, http://www.thepartsbin.com/import-auto-parts.html

I am going to the dealer to put it in, cause, my local mechanic, isnt so good..

Yes Indeed Thanks, 87-88 MAX, were the best and still is.

Does that website send you new parts or refurbished? What parts are you talking about that is $40 online?

Thanks again!

mphilips · 12-26-2002, 06:06 PM

sorry that website was just one of the many you can find online.

the $70 master cyclinder (by cardone) was found at rs straus auto parts stores, check your local store first.

Implicit · 01-04-2003, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mphilips
sorry that website was just one of the many you can find online.

the $70 master cyclinder (by cardone) was found at rs straus auto parts stores, check your local store first.

The lowest MC I found was for $45 rebuilt and thats if I turn in my old core. Do you think I should buy new or get a rebuilt one?

*maximase86* · 01-04-2003, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Implicit

The lowest MC I found was for $45 rebuilt and thats if I turn in my old core. Do you think I should buy new or get a rebuilt one?

As long as it's got a decent warranty, it shouldn't really matter. You don't want to by a rebuilt one if its not warrantied.

S