Brake Failure Service Urgent

2001BlckS80 · Post by **2001BlckS80** » 09 Jan 2013, 15:47

The other night, while sitting at a drive thru window my brake pedal went all the way to floor. The brakes seemed unresponsive and the message center said "Brake Failure Service Urgent." This car is a 2001 S80 with almost 260k on it. I'm not in a position to purchase a new car, but I don't want to spend a bunch of money fixing this one. Any ideas what could be the problem and the approx cost to repair? Here is a little more info:

- The car will come to a stop, but only when the brake pedal is pushed all the way down
- The STC turns on and off
- When I slam the brakes on it does feel like the ABS is doing some work

In the last year I have replaced the alternator, starter, radiator and anti-theft module. I did all of these myself to keep the cost down, but I've never been comfortable working on the brakes. Any ideas what could be the problem and the approx cost to repair?

Post by **JDS60R** » 09 Jan 2013, 15:52

Sounds like a failure of the master cylinder or wheel calipers or cylinders. I could also be the power steering booster failing.
This is a safety concern and needs to fixed before driving.

Turn the car off and pump the brakes - Does the pedal still go all the way down to the floor?

Look under the car for fluid leaking at any of the wheels from the area of the brakes.

Also look for leaking at the master cylinder.

Report back with the info and we can help more. If you are not familiar with brakes at all please safely transport the car to you local brake specialist for repair.

2001BlckS80 · Post by **2001BlckS80** » 09 Jan 2013, 16:08

When I pump the brakes with car off the pedal goes all the way down to the floor with very little resistance.

I have been looking for leaking fluid and haven't seen any either under the car or near the wheels. I've monitored the brake fluid level and it is constant and within the min-max levels.

I have noticed that when I first start the car and switch the STC on and off the brake has some resistance, but it doesn't last very long (less than 50 ft) once I start driving the car. I live in a rural area so it's safe to test drive.