While backing out of my parking space at work, I felt normal pressure when applying the brake, but it didn't stop. The same thing happened when I pulled forward, but then brakes returned to normal. I drove around the empty parking lot before heading home to see if they were working, and they seemed back to normal except I began hearing three rythmic screeches everytime I applied the brakes. Probably shouldn't have driven the 10 miles home, but I did with the emergency brake at the ready. The sound continued about halfway home, and then stopped. Brakes worked fine all the way in light traffic. However, the next time I drove my car, the 3 rhythmic screeching sounds began again. I drove it to a repair shop and made the mistake of suggesting it might be the master cylinder. Of course that's what I was told it was, and the replacement part is $1299.99 plus $279 in labor. I don't really have any reason not to believe what they told me except that I am a woman with no experience with cars other than driving them. Should I get a second opinion? Is it safe to drive my car elsewhere? I didn't have any problem with the brakes other than the initial two momentary times they didn't work in the parking lot, but the repair guys told me they dropped straight to the floor when they tried them. They also advised I have the timing belt and water pump replaced ($685) as well as a few other things. Probably do, but I've been putting it off for no good reason. Any advice would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Cristie
Cristie
Nov 7, 2012 at 3:28 AM
