chadr
Well-Known Member
The handbrake warning light came on when I started the Collie this morning. I was a bit puzzled as the handbrake wasn't on and just assumed it was an electrical gremlin due the weather and something and that it would sort itself out when warmed up.
So went to pull out of the drive and noticed that the brake pedal was VERY spongey - lightbulb went off in my head re: handbrake warning light (as it also acts as a low brake fluid warning) so parked it back up and checked the brake fluid level. Just below the minimum level - H'mm, I was surprised as I'd only checked fluids a couple of weeks ago and all was well then and I've hardly driven anywhere.
Anyway, got some fluid and topped it up, left the reservoir open, started the car and pumped the brake pedal a bit - no change in feel, still very spongey. Checked the fluid level and it's gone back down - so where's it all going? The answer is - "on my drive!" (thankfully nothing fancy, just shingle) - it's all leaking from somewhere above the rear axle on the passenger side.
I'm assuming that the brake pipes have corroded and or split - so driving it anywhere doesn't seem like an option. I assume I'd have to get it recovered to a garage somewhere, where they would replace the pipe(s)? Or would this be a suitable job for a mobile mechanic?
Not quite sure what to do? .....and glad that I don't need to use the car at the moment.
So went to pull out of the drive and noticed that the brake pedal was VERY spongey - lightbulb went off in my head re: handbrake warning light (as it also acts as a low brake fluid warning) so parked it back up and checked the brake fluid level. Just below the minimum level - H'mm, I was surprised as I'd only checked fluids a couple of weeks ago and all was well then and I've hardly driven anywhere.
Anyway, got some fluid and topped it up, left the reservoir open, started the car and pumped the brake pedal a bit - no change in feel, still very spongey. Checked the fluid level and it's gone back down - so where's it all going? The answer is - "on my drive!" (thankfully nothing fancy, just shingle) - it's all leaking from somewhere above the rear axle on the passenger side.
I'm assuming that the brake pipes have corroded and or split - so driving it anywhere doesn't seem like an option. I assume I'd have to get it recovered to a garage somewhere, where they would replace the pipe(s)? Or would this be a suitable job for a mobile mechanic?
Not quite sure what to do? .....and glad that I don't need to use the car at the moment.