How to Make Your Car Last Forever: Avoid Expensive Repairs, Improve Fuel Economy, Understand Your Warranty, Save Money

When a braking system’s hydraulic integrity is restored, a common problem
occurs. The car comes back to the shop a few weeks later with a sinking brake
pedal; this condition is called “brake fade.” What’s happened? The master
cylinder, like the rest of the braking system, has experienced the same wear
factors. When the rest of the system is restored, the master cylinder (which is not
showing signs of an external leak, but is worn out internally) can no longer
pump the fluid through the system. Hence, the fluid reverses flow back past the
internal seals, resulting in “brake fade.” The only way to fix this condition is to
replace the master cylinder.
Rusted emergency brake cables: Emergency brake cables have a two-piece
design. The outside housing is composed of a band of steel that wraps around a
braided inner steel cable. When rust forms, the inner cable tends to seize inside
the outer housing. This condition causes the emergency brakes to stay applied
when released, leading to premature brake failure. Replace any seized cables.