I'm making this post in the regional room in case it's somehow weather-ish related...

Went down to Big O Tires today because it seemed like my brakes were going out on the tC. Had them check it out and my pads were still at 70% MINIMUM...

He's thinking it's the master cylinder.

I'm on howstuffworks.com right now learning ALL about that crap, but yeah... It sounds about right. Like one of the circuits died and so my brakes DO still work, just not on ALL FOUR WHEELS... My brakes seem to want to lock if I apply ANY pressure for an extended amount of time...

Anyone had similar problems? Know what would cause this? Is this even SOMEWHAT NORMAL at 16,000 miles??

 

I'm going to move this to tC suspension because you will get a lot more people to see your question. More chances to get a good answer. However, it doesnt sound normal. Sounds like there is a problem in the lines on in the master cylinder as you suspect.

Hope it helps and I will leave the link here.

 

cool. Thanks. Was gonna request it be moved but figured it would be discovered soon enough

Once again I have to take my hat off to Kelly and Anamaria at Scion of Lake City. I haven't even gone down to have it checked out yet, and they're already doing everything they can to help me out.

Much appreciated ladies! Happy New Year to you. See you on Tuesday (7:30am... yay...lol)

 

*bump*

So really... what's the average life of a master cylinder? And is it a defect if it goes at 16k or does that mean *I* did something to it?

 

Its not normal for a master cylinder to go out that early. As a matter of fact, I have never had one go out period on any car. But, they can and do go bad from time to time. Take it in and get it warrantied. Dont go in all bent out of shape, sometimes new parts go bad. I have gotten bad parts straight out of the box. As long as they warranty it dont worry.

 

I currently drive a honda accord (1998, 7 yrs + old, 165K+ mi.) and I have the original master cyl. it shouldnt be bad, take it to the dealer and get it under warranty

 

Thanks engifineer and JohnL... I already have the appointment set with the dealer and I won't be all bent out of shape... This dealer is actually assisting with our club's sponsorship of a huge global charity (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org ) I might be a bit cranky that I have to BE THERE an average of 2-4 hours before I usually WAKE UP on my day off, but... eh... I know for a fact it's covered under warranty if it is, so... They just need to make sure what it is so they can order the parts.

That brings up another question. Without the extended warranty, Scion offers a TRAC (Toyota Rent a Car) whenever the vehicle is "inoperable." Now, Kelly the Scion manager at this dealer has promised me I'm taken care of in that regard, but does anyone know Scion's (and/or Toyota's) stance on if it *IS* operable, but SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED?

Because obviously being in the height of winter and compromised brakes on a 9 month old car... Clearly this is something that SHOULDN"T be driven.

Like I said, I'm taken care of, but... You know?

 

If it is the same Kelly that recently moved from the twin cities, then you are in good care. I had some issues with poor installs when I picked up my car originally which led to a bunch of mixups with my car. Kelly not only made sure the service dept took care of it, but also made sure I had a loaner car there waiting each time, plus gave me some great deals here and there to make up for my trouble. If she says you will have a car to drive, you will. Trust me! And if you see her again, tell her Dave from the Twin Cities with the IIP tC says hey! She is missing the snow this year

 

I'll tell her. I go in tomorrow morning. She said she was out there for xmas from the sound of it.

Like I mentioned above, I know I WILL be taken care of, I'm just wondering if anyone knew the OFFICIAL policy for an "operable" car that SHOULD NOT be operated... Would that constitute a provided loaner car regardless of what relationships I have at the dealer?

I'll tell her hi for you. I'm gonna be meeting her in person for the first time tomorrow myself. (Just discussions on the phone up to this point)