Brake system issues

[egon]

I noticed that my master cylinder is leaking where it bolts to the power booster. Its more a weep then a leak, as fluid is not all over the place. My brakes have been very spongy, right to the floor. It will build pressure, but the pressure will go away. I can still lock my rear tires very easily. My guess is seals in the master cylinder went. Its a 96 XJ with ABS and a D44 with 10x2.5" drums which stopped the Jeep great. How does my diagnosis sound?

--Matt

 

[RichP]

Not sure about the 96 but if its leaking watch out for any wiring under it, that brake fluid will eat plastic and the main harness going into the passenger compartment is right there...

 

[egon]

There's no wiring under it, but I'll hit it with some degreaser.

--Matt

 

[churky89]

Have heard that if the master cylinder leaks,brake fluid CAN get into the booster.The brake fluid CAN deteriote(sp) the diaphram in the booster.This causes a hissing sound and you lose the "power" not braking just makes the booster useless.What you have is more lke a "manual braking system".

 

[Eagle]

How does my diagnosis sound?

[Brit accent]Spot on.[/Brit accent]

 

[egon]

Cool, thanks Eagle. I'm pulling the master cylinder off this evening.

--Matt