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Brake failed earlier today - 6G Celicas Forums

Topic #90856 9 posts Started by DaijoubuDa
Hi everyone. I am new to the forum wink.gif

(Just bought a 97 Celica ST around 2 weeks ago)

I was driving earlier today, then suddenly, I heard a pop/snap noise and my brake just stopped working. (i.e. I have to step on the brake petal until it hit the floor in order to slow down the car slightly, and I didn't feel any resistant when I was stepping on the brake petal) I drove the car to the closest mechanics available but he won't have time to look at it until tomorrow morning. So, I just want to hear your opinion on what is the cause of the issue because I don't want to get rip off by the guy.

Thanks in advance.
Could be the master cylinder, that or could be a failed hose, wheel cylinder, or caliper. Can you be more specific with the location of the noise?

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
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QUOTE (Box @ Oct 18, 2013 - 1:08 AM) *
>Could be the master cylinder, that or could be a failed hose, wheel cylinder, or caliper. Can you be more specific with the location of the noise?


Just got a call from the mechanic. He said the drums and the shoes for the right rear wheel both fell apart and need to be replaced; then he suggested me to replace the left rear side at the same time also. The quote he gave me is $350. Does it sound reasonable?
That wouldn't cause you to lose all of your brakes though, unless he forgot to say something about the wheel cylinder.

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
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QUOTE (Box @ Oct 18, 2013 - 1:23 PM) *
>That wouldn't cause you to lose all of your brakes though, unless he forgot to say something about the wheel cylinder.


I don't recall what he said exactly, but he did mention a couple other things beside the drum and shoe when I was talking to him on the phone.

I didn't get a chance to go to the shop to look at the problem, but to be honest, I don't really have too much choices anyway. The problem occurred when I was like 20 miles away from home, and the car is not drivable with no brake. So, I either have to trust the guy or have the car tow to someone I can trust... He said he will get it done by the end of today or tomorrow, so I will just ask him to show me the parts that he had replaced when I go pick up the car.
Damn. I always tell everyone about engine braking just in case their reg brakes don't work. So heads up next time. Just use your engine to brake. Not a lot of people know about it but pass it on. It'll help out.

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My brake master cylinder went out some 20 miles from my uncle's place. I engine braked and used the emergency brake like a boss to make it home safely. tongue.gif

If he's replacing the entire braking system on the rear then I suppose $350 for parts and labour isn't too terrible.

This post has been edited by Box: Oct 18, 2013 - 5:17 PM

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
Just picked up the car like 30 minutes ago. Apparently, I misheard the guy and it was the cylinder and drum that needed to be replaced.

So basically, these are what he charged me:
Parts:
2 x Rear wheel cylinders - $48
2 x Rear wheel drums - $80

Labor:
Rear brake job (New linings and drums installation) - $140
Rear brake cylinder installation and brake bleeding - $80

Total: $348 + tax

Honestly, it is probably much cheaper to work on it myself if I can drive the car home. But I think it is too dangerous to drive on a mountain area without any brake...

Btw, these are the part he took off:



This post has been edited by DaijoubuDa: Oct 18, 2013 - 5:53 PM
If you could do it yourself you'll have about $100 in parts.

2001 Miata LS 5-speed