COMMON PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE SYSTEMS
AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Rusted brake lines: Steel brake lines are exposed to the environment and
subject to oxidation (rust). If you live in one of the salt belt states, apply rust
protection. Complete brake line replacement can cost several hundred dollars.
Bad master cylinders: The master cylinder pumps the brake fluid. When you
apply the brakes, the master cylinder forces the fluid through the system,
actuating all of the hydraulic components (brake calipers, wheel cylinders, and
so on). The seals within the master cylinder can go bad. When this happens,
brake fluid leaks (either internally or externally) and diminishes the brake
operation.