I thought this was strange. When I came back from a stop at the grocery store, I've noticed that my brake has suddenly become loose, i.e., I needed to depress the brake pedal A LOT more than usual for my car to stop. My car is an '04 and the brake had been very tight prior to my trip out today... What could be the problem? Thanks for any inputs.

 

Check your fluid level. Might be time to add a little.

 

check your pads (quickly, before you score your rotors) also...might need changing


check under the wheels for leaking fluid as well

 

Thanks.

 

I performed an inspection this morning and the brake fluid level is still above the MIN level (current level is at where the container crease is). I did not see any leaking fluid in the wheels either. Visually, I could not see the front brake pads. Rear pads are visible - I could see about 4-5 mm. Front rotor has about 0.5 mm thickness shaved off. I had to depress the pedal all the way to the floor for the car to completely stop, but the car slows down during the initial depressing of the pedal.

I had made an appointment last week to do a regular maintenance tomorrow (Monday), but now I'm sort of worried about driving to the dealer because it is 70 miles away. Would it be safe to drive?

 

Don't take a chance on driving it. Have it towed to the dealer for service.

C.

 

I got my car back from the dealer. They said the problem was caused by front brake pads being worn down (pads worn down to 2.5 mm and rotors down to 21.9 mm). The car is about to hit the 20K mark. Got front pads and rotors replaced under warranty (3-year/36000 miles for 03-04 models). Service rep. said the replacement would have cost $565.

Thanks.