Have owned the car for just over 4 years. Brake and ABS light would come on at start up and go out as warming up and stay off in 2010. Lately indicator lights come on intermittently under braking and occaionally brake pedal will drop to bottom. Have added brake fluid and res has never gone significantly low. Any recommendations for best formal diagnosis? A good mechanic friend has advised that the master cyl on this model can run upwards of $3,000 as oem. Are there rebuilding kits available and what are chances of getting a used part that is viable?

Submitted by bmelsplace@hot… on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 14:52

Thanks to everyone for responding thus far. I plan to check some of the response info against hard parts this weekend. I can then hopefully make the next logical step.
Really appreciate eveyones enthusiastic outlook!

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 08:26

Robert,

I personally have never run across a rebuild kit for the actuation unit [master cylinder] your brake system has. The choices have been used parts or a remanufactured part. There is a reservoir kit, but that is ONLY the reservoir.
Given the age of your car, I'd bet once the actuation unit is addressed, you probably will find the accumulator has failed. If the pump on the right side of the car runs every time the brake pedal is pressed, you need an accumulator. A good accumulator gives you 4-6 brake applications before the pump has to run and charge it back up. If you wear out the pump, it's a hefty sum to replace as well.

Good luck!

Submitted by bmelsplace@hot… on Sun, 06/26/2011 - 09:38

George, Thanks for quick response and am glad to hear that there is an alternative other than the entire unit. There is some fluid loss. It translates to an amount of less than 1 small can of fluid over 1 year. It does not see many miles and still under 50K orig. Will follow up with accumulator issue. fyi...We're in PI, SC as a second and eventually as a first.
Robert

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 06/26/2011 - 08:27

Robert there are kits available but the price you are quoting are for the entire system. Give Coventry West a call (see their ad on the home page. I rec. purchased a used fluid res. from them as the owner thought it was a handy place to lean on while doing something! I also think you have an issue with your accumulator. Have you noticed any fluid loss?