Ok, this is probably a really dumb question and the answer is probably yes, but I am asking anyway...

The other day while I was driving, my brake pedal suddenly got really soft. I drove home and checked the fluid and the front part of the resevoir is empty. It is obviously sucking in some air now, do I have to bleed all the lines, or will just simply adding more fluid be enough? The rear level is at the "min" line.

Im also concerned since the brakes should be a sealed system, so where did the fluid go? Do I potentially have a broken brake line somewhere? I havent noticed any fluid on the ground wherever I park.

 

It really depends. How was the fluid level the last time you changed oil?

Since you let it go dry, you will need to remove the master cylinder and bench bleed it.

 

Well, thanks for the reply. Im going to take it by a shop tonight on the way home from work and have them check everything out. Im really not all that mechnically inclined and certainly dont have a space for working on the car (shared parking and whatnot)

 

So while on lunch today, I bought a bottle of fluid. Topped off the front of the reservior and added some to the rear too. A couple of air bubbles came out of the front when I pumped the brakes. The actual level didnt drop too much further than the bottom of the reservoir, maybe a tablespoon full before it filled the tube. I replaced the cover, started the car and the brakes feel firm again. I am still going to have it professionally checked out, but at least I have SOME brakes to get me to the shop now. Thanks again on the advice.

 

Sounds like a plan.