2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Loss of Brake Power/ Mist in vents/ Loss of fluid

  #1  
Old 03-09-2013, 04:11 PM
Brewer97's Avatar
Brewer97
Brewer97 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Loss of Brake Power/ Mist in vents/ Loss of fluid

I was driving today and i noticed that my brake was going closer and closer to the floor while losing braking power. I got it home and almost ran into the garage door because of how ****ty it was. I noticed that my BRAKE and ABS lights were on, and my brake fluid was low. Very low. The front reservoir was empty and the rear was about 1/3 full. Another important thing.. When I have my fan on, pushing hot air i get a stinky mist coming through, which i'm assuming is the stench of my brake fluid being released from the Master Cylinder. Any help on this wouldn't come soon enough, but still greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
  #2  
Old 03-09-2013, 04:19 PM
gdstock's Avatar
gdstock
gdstock is offline
Legend
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

From the vent is most likely heater core.

You need to refill brake fluid and bleed properly.
 
  #3  
Old 03-09-2013, 04:23 PM
merc225hp's Avatar
merc225hp
merc225hp is offline
Champion
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 4,704
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Where did the brake fluid go? look under the truck for leaks.
 
  #4  
Old 03-09-2013, 04:29 PM
Brewer97's Avatar
Brewer97
Brewer97 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Although the heater core sounds like a good suggestion, i wont bank on it. My problems with my brakes and this mist came at the same exact time. As for checking where my fluid went i have not done, at this moment everything is wet and i'm waiting for it to dry off in the garage. I'm going to vacuum out all the fluids, put in new fluid, bleed, then check once everything is dry. I'm almost convinced it's the Master Cylinder. I'll keep you updated
 
  #5  
Old 03-09-2013, 05:24 PM
gdstock's Avatar
gdstock
gdstock is offline
Legend
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Brake fluid does not dry well. Need to wash it off with some kind of cleaner after you determine where ut may be leaking from. Even if master cylinder, it should nto be in the vent system - under normal conditions....
 
  #6  
Old 03-09-2013, 06:08 PM
zman17's Avatar
zman17
zman17 is offline
Retired Moderator - RIP
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

The brake line running along side the fuel tank is a very common problem.
 
  #7  
Old 03-09-2013, 11:52 PM
master tech's Avatar
master tech
master tech is offline
Site Moderator & Tech
Dodge Forum Moderator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Near Sacramento,ca
Posts: 11,545
Likes: 0
Received 92 Likes on 78 Posts
Default

If you haven't notice any brake fluid hitting the ground. I would remove the two nuts holding the master cylinder to the booster off. Don't remove the lines. Pull back and and get a coat hanger and check inside the booster for brake fluid. And if you do have fluid hitting the ground, then check and isolate the leak.
And if you are getting a mist from your heater vent, check the coolant level and the passenger floor.
 

Last edited by master tech; 03-09-2013 at 11:54 PM.
  #8  
Old 03-10-2013, 09:59 AM
Gary-L's Avatar
Gary-L
Gary-L is offline
Legend
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 8,648
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

A leaky heater core will not always dump coolant on the passenger floor. Mine had pinholes in it and would fog the windshield, plus the stench of coolant would be present.
 
  #9  
Old 03-10-2013, 10:14 AM
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
HeyYou is offline
Administrator
Dodge Forum Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Clayton MI
Posts: 80,681
Likes: 0
Received 3,171 Likes on 2,924 Posts
Default

You have two separate problems there. Heater core going bad, and a blown brake line.
 
  #10  
Old 03-10-2013, 01:11 PM
Brewer97's Avatar
Brewer97
Brewer97 is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the suggustions. I will be removing the Master Cylinder from the Vacuum booster and checking that after work today. As for thinking i have two separate problems, i don't know if i want to go that route, they both seemed to happen at the same exact time.. Thanks!
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Loss of Brake Power/ Mist in vents/ Loss of fluid



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:42 PM.