HELP - wet on driver's side floor + brake pedal

[jthom]

Please forgive me if there is an obvious answer here, but I've noticed that the floor on my L300 driver's side (under the pedals and steering coloumn) has been consistently wet for the past week, despite dry weather. I had a closer look and there is also some liquid on the shaft that connects to the break pedal. Is this brake fluid? Power steering fluid? How do I tell and how dire might this be (I'm hoping it can wait for my trip to CVI auto July 12th).

As a side, but perhaps related note, the emergency brake light won't go out even when the e-brake is not engaged.

Any thoughts based on this admittedly vague information?

Thanks friends.

[thedjjack]

STOP DRIVING NOW

You are leaking brake fluid...the brake light is on because the brake fluid level is dangerously low.

Most likely the master cylinder is leaking (brake fluid eats paint so clean it up)....it also could be a line connecting the master to the brakes...

You need to find the leak, fix, and bleed the system...

DO NOT DRIVE until you fix this

[jthom]

Ok - thanks. I've been driving around like an idiot for over a week in this condition. I guess I'm lucky to be alive!

If anyone can suggest a place that might be able to handle this issue here in Victoria, I would very much appreciate that info!

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
Have you checked the fluid?
The reservoir is in the dash on the
right side by the driver door behind a
Slidy piece. If you have a manual
Transmission this is your clutch
slave fluid too.
You don't want that reservoir to go dry.
How do your brakes feel?
CC autos in Coombs could fix you up quick.

Good Luck

[jthom]

Thanks Luna-Sea.

The breaks feel normal so far.

The break fluid is definitely low, but there is about 3/4 inch of fluid in the reservoir.

If I buy some brake fluid and just keep topping this up, is it safe to drive all the way to Coombs? I cannot afford to tow my van that far!

[chris]

Island Brake and Muffler is not scared of RHD and they inspect for $25. Based on the inspection result and your research of the NA equivalent of the L300 brakes you can get parts locally or go with a reputable supplier on here. They are just brakes and there are posts on here about NA parts.

[jthom]

Thanks Chris. I don't feel comfortable doing this job myself with some NA equivalent parts.
I'm hoping someone can recommend a garage in Victoria that can do the job.

[chris]

They will do the work if you want (and waive the inspection charge) but you need to tell them the NA equivalent vehicle so they can order the parts from Lordco or NAPA or wherever they get them. There are posts on here about interchangeable parts so search or ask L300 owners. On the off chance you need something special, you will have to give them the contact info for the reputable dealers on here or do it yourself. No big deal.

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
A tricky situation indeed!
If it is a slow leak you could
Probably make it to a garage
Using super wussy driving style
and an unobstructed reach to your
properly functioning emergency hand brake.

The concern is whether its a brake line that is leaking
A bit or a weeping master cylinder that is getting
Ready to crap the bed. The latter would mean no brakes
from the pedal at all which obviously would be unsafe to
Say the least.( cue the white knuckles and hand brake)
I understand the position of wanting to avoid an expensive tow.
BCAA is handy if you gave a friend with a membership
that would be willing to help you. (Free tow)

You could get the van looked at in Vic and order the parts from RMI or Coombs if need be.


Good Luck

[mararmeisto]

If it is the master cylinder, the best way to access it is to remove the gauge cluster (from what I've been told, never had to do it myself). Regardless, it's going to be a nasty job, because it's not accessible from outside the vehicle (it's in the dashboard).

Good luck.

[jthom]

Yeah - I don't think I will risk driving to Coombs, especially if the job can be done at Island Brakes and Mufflers.

Ordering parts from Coombs is a very helpful suggestion. I see also that the L300 equivalent in North America is the Mitsubishi Montero, so maybe I can even get the parts locally.

Thanks again!

[nxski]

Wherever you plan on driving to have your left hand on the ebrake. This technique saved my life when the brakes fully went on a 30 degree slope intersecting with a busy road. The rear brakes needed some work after that, but brakes are easier to replace than you are!

[thedjjack]

Leave the front hubs locked and shift to 4H before using the ebrake and both axles will brake (rear brakes now slow the front axle)....