Parking brake light stays on with parking brake off, brakes seem spongy

[TXfreeze]

I think I have this right, the light that goes on when you start the engine stays on, the brake warning light? Checked and brake lights are working fine and go on and off. Pedal goes all the way to the bottom and comes back up slowly. Seems like there is a whirring sound, Master Cylinder? Added brake fluid no noticeable change. I'm thinking A. Air in the lines, needs bleeding, B. Master Cylinder bad C. Hydro Assist not working although that goes with the steering and that's working fine with no issues. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[forty_caliber]

Sounds like master cylinder to me. Could also be bad/leaking caliper/drum. Do you see any fluid on the wheel, tires, or ground?

.40

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I assume P30 chassis? Mine had disks all around.

If true for you, you have air in lines. Leak or not keeping fluid up. Whirring sound likely the steering pump, due to shared steering/brake service. Could be the master cylinder, but bleeding brakes would be first attempt.

 

[TXfreeze]

Sounds like master cylinder to me. Could also be bad/leaking caliper/drum. Do you see any fluid on the wheel, tires, or ground?

.40

Well I do see some fluid not a a lot though, from the left rear inner tire, so I guess looks like it's a leaking drum, gonna have the wife press down and on the brake and see if any fluid is coming now now. I wonder if a stop leak additive could seal that?

 

[TXfreeze]

I assume P30 chassis? Mine had disks all around.

If true for you, you have air in lines. Leak or not keeping fluid up. Whirring sound likely the steering pump, due to shared steering/brake service. Could be the master cylinder, but bleeding brakes would be first attempt.

Yes Chevy P30, so than there are no drums in the back, that's a relief still it's a major job if the caliper needs to be replaced. As I replied to the earlier reply there is some brake fluid on the rear left inner tire, so there must be a small leak at the moment. Yes you called it was the PS pump, not enough PS fluid in the reservoir.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Well I do see some fluid not a a lot though, from the left rear inner tire, so I guess looks like it's a leaking drum, gonna have the wife press down and on the brake and see if any fluid is coming now now. I wonder if a stop leak additive could seal that?

No!!! Brakes are to important!!! If there is water damage replace, no water damage you should be able to rebuild!

I have a saying!

The only people who can't, are The one's who say, or think they can't!

There is Just to much information out there to say you can't.

 

[forty_caliber]

Well I do see some fluid not a a lot though, from the left rear inner tire, so I guess looks like it's a leaking drum, gonna have the wife press down and on the brake and see if any fluid is coming now now. I wonder if a stop leak additive could seal that?

Don't take this the wrong way, but you need professional help at this point. Hire a mechanic.

10000+ pounds with bad brakes is a disaster waiting to happen.

.40

 

[TXfreeze]

No!!! Brakes are to important!!! If there is water damage replace, no water damage you should be able to rebuild!

I have a saying!

The only people who can't, are The one's who say, or think they can't!

There is Just to much information out there to say you can't.

Water damage leading to rusting of the calipers and or the lines?

 

[TXfreeze]

Don't take this the wrong way, but you need professional help at this point. Hire a mechanic.

10000+ pounds with bad brakes is a disaster waiting to happen.

.40

I hear ya, I have a guy who makes house calls I will have to check to see if he's available.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Water damage leading to rusting of the calipers and or the lines?

Sorry,on the road today!

Condensation in the brake kines. Brake fluid absorbs water so if the system is not sealed water causes rust in the cylinders.

When it comes time harbor freight has a brake bleeding vacuum pump fairly cheap.

 

[TXfreeze]

Water damage leading to rusting of the calipers and or the lines?

Texted my guy, did some observation traced the leak to a rusted line, no fluid coming from near cylinder or caliper no other wheels have fluid leaking. Took video too big to upload here's a photo instead.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

WOW! One year makes a difference. Looks like drum brakes!

 

[TXfreeze]

WOW! One year makes a difference. Looks like drum brakes!

Yes I noticed that too, why go from discs to drums that are more expensive and harder to replace?

 

[TXfreeze]

So rather than start a new thread Im hoping this one is still alive and kicking.The leak persists, the mechanic is MIA and I have no other options but to DIY, I think I can repair it with just some flared line and brake unions, but I need to know what the diameter of the line is? I looked up Chevy P30 brake line and it's indicating 3/8, so there is a repair kit on Amazon with stainless steel flared lines and break unions, but the line is 3/16 and is supposed to be inserted into existing line, so how does that work?

 

[NWIP]

Have you checked with a good parts store? I got flexible brake lines for P30 chassis, although was about 7-8 years ago.

 

[TXfreeze]

Have you checked with a good parts store? I got flexible brake lines for P30 chassis, although was about 7-8 years ago.

Well originally I was going to cut some of the line and take it to AutoZone but if I I can by pre flared line on Amazon it would be better since I have had good results DIY flare. I may have no choice but to do that and determine what line diameter is.