Car Brake - Help and advice needed

• spencer99

  22 Jan 06, 15:19

  Hi,
  
  I am a singaporean that just moved to the US. I bought a used car. 2 year old. my first car. 27,000 miles
  
  Overall in good condition. but one slight problem is the brakes. drive very smooth....
  
  They feel a bit spongy. still can stop, but i must use quite a lot of strength. Or at least more then the other rental or car sharing cars that i drove....
  
  Also there is a lot of "free play" before the brake take effect. so the "reaction' might be slower.
  
  overally still ok. but i find it a bit dangerous if i get into a situation.
  
  i went for oil change... the mechanic say my brake fluid contaminated and recommended a flush... but he said the same thing to the previous guy/car so i suspect that it is their "standard" advice to all their customers... they charge USD115. which is quite ex.
  
  I called the dealer.. as car is still <3 years and < 36,000 miles still under warranty. brake pads not covered....
  
  For brake inspection USD30. but if change all brake pads (wear and tear not covered) cost USD200. to change brake fluid USD100. EITHER OF THIS service taken up will waive inspection fee.
  
  other then pad and fluid, if there are any issues with brakes, they will repair for free (warranty)
  
  i think many shops will change brake pads for like USD100 outside.
  
  i read the internet. they said that most of the time brake fluid shouldn't need to change but best to change one every 2 years.... brake pads should change about every 30k miles.
  
  not at a loss... if i bring to dealer.. potentially chaRGE USD200-USD300 for the service.. but guranttee will be OK.
  
  if go outside cheaper, but they might not fix the issue...
  
  what should I do.? does worn out brake pads feel like that? more "free play" and need more strength to stop, stopping power seems to be reduced....??
  
  If it is just routine worn out brake pad i will just go outside and change. no need send back dealer.
  
  internet say also potential 'air' in the brake fluid... does it feel like that.
  
  Any advice welcomed.
  
  
• spencer99

  22 Jan 06, 15:24

  oh yeah.. i brake hard a couple of times.... mainly my fault. a bit distracted and must suddenly stop... realize that when brake pretty smooth, no "drift" at all... so wheels should be aligned and brakes properly aligned also...
  
  And the ABS kick in also... so ABS should be fine at least from my amateur obeservation.
  
  Any advice welcomed
  
• kentheman

  22 Jan 06, 23:00

  from ur post, wat i can deduce is tt ur brake oil level is low. did u pop ur bonnet and check the oil level. if yes, top up ur brake oil and best is to check if ur brake line is there any leakage
• spencer99

  23 Jan 06, 04:01

  thanks for the advice... can a driver just top up the brake fluid or must it be done by a mechanic?
  
  Will go take a look.
• mark_docent

  23 Jan 06, 07:15

  Yes, you can. But make sure you get the right type of brake fluid. Go to Pep Boys (if any in your city) and shop for the right type of break fluid.
  
  In case, it is not the break fluid, I will suggest you to change the pad and flush the break fluid. However, do it with outside mechanic (not dealer) because dealer will charge more money. Try to go to those big franchise mechanic such as pep boys or the one specialise in the breaking system, tyre and muffler (forgot the name).
  
  Btw, what model is your car?
  
  

  Originally posted by spencer99:

  thanks for the advice... can a driver just top up the brake fluid or must it be done by a mechanic?
  
  Will go take a look.

• spencer99

  23 Jan 06, 13:19

  Ford Taurus 2004. I think i will try "Midas". seen it around. opened my bonnet just now at the covered paking lot. cannot find the brake fluid container... i think too dark.
  
  It is my company's ex-company car. sold at discount to employees after every two years.
  
  
• mark_docent

  5 Feb 06, 00:04

  Midas is the one I want to recommend to you. They are the break specialist. I brought my car to Midas for break service.
  
  Ford Taurus is popular/common car in US, Midas should be able to solve the problem easily.
  
  Good luck to you.
  
  

  Originally posted by spencer99:

  Ford Taurus 2004. I think i will try "Midas". seen it around. opened my bonnet just now at the covered paking lot. cannot find the brake fluid container... i think too dark.
  
  It is my company's ex-company car. sold at discount to employees after every two years.