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[Varche]

Just got in the car to come back home after a very hard days graft and the red dashboard brake light came on. Had a look under the bonnet and there isn't any fluid in the reservoir. I check it weekly and it never needs topping up.

The brake pedal is to the floor and isn't doing anything at all, only the handbrake is still working.

I am going to have a stiff drink and then go and get the car up in the air and see if it is something simple like a ruptured brake line. In my heart I suspect it is a master cylinder problem. If it was a ruptured line then the brakes would still work on the other two opposite diametrically wheels?

Anyone got any tips or pointers as to where to look?

Oh the joys of living in the middle of nowhere, A very disheartened olive.  

[haydnm0]

like you said mate sounds like a burst pip or the seal on the back of the master cylinder has gone and the fluid will have gone into the servo. bear in mind that if you've lost all the fluid even after fixing and refilling the system it may have damaged the seals inside the master cylinder any way

[Markjay]

As said you obviously have a leak somewhere and you need to find out where, the most probable culprit is the master cylinder and working your way down the pipes and callipers etc. keep in mind that brake fluid is corrosive, though luckily is it also water soluable - so once you find the leak wash the place down with lots of water to remove any traces of fluid which will eat-up the paint and cause any exposed metal to rust.

If master cylinder, then just to say I never had much luck with those repair/overhaul kits, they may include new rubber seals but the cylinder or piston may be pitted. I would go for a new one if not too expensive, or for a professionally reconditioned unit if new one is prohibitive.

[Varche]

Can't see any trace of brake fluid which is a bit disturbing.

How much is a master cylinder repair or replacement likely to cost?

olive

[Tony H]

No sign of fluid leaks does point towards master cylinder seal failure as for cost of replacement in Spain  sorry I have no idea, dont know how popular Omegas are in Spain and therfore how many would be on breakers yards . It might be worth phoning round scrappies to see if you can locate one. good luck

[Marks DTM Calib]

If there is a leak then there must be some trace of it....are all the calipers, rubber flexi hoses and brake pipes dry.......

[Varche]

Well after much investigation in failing light, I have found fluid on the lowest point as the pipes disappear over the rear silencer box. The pipe is rubbing against the metal exhaust hangar so I am presuming that it has got a pinhole leak from rubbing. Got a five mile drive to nearest "garage" in morning. Lets hope they can fix it. Its aboiut due a brake fluid change!!

olive