Disappearing Fluid Mystery (98 Sunfire)

[Dominic26]

We are buying my Father-in-Law's 1998 Sunfire for our daughter. It only has 85K miles and has been sitting outside since the Jan 2016. When I got in it starts and runs smooth. However the power steering is non existent and the brake pedal goes down to the floor before the brake even starts to engage. There was no fluid in either reservoir. But there is no sign of leakage anywhere on the engine or the ground. Any ideas before I just add brake and power steering fluids. Thanks in advance.

I forgot to mention, the brake light indicator does not go off even though the parking brake is not engaged.

 

[melsg5]

you have to start removing wheels and checking calipers and cylinders for leaks, the brake fluid either leaks out of a wheel cylinder, brake caliper, rubber line, steel line or the master leaks out the back.
same with the steering, hoses, pump, or rack are the leak locations,

 

[Dominic26]

you have to start removing wheels and checking calipers and cylinders for leaks, the brake fluid either leaks out of a wheel cylinder, brake caliper, rubber line, steel line or the master leaks out the back.
same with the steering, hoses, pump, or rack are the leak locations,

Thanks melsg5. I ran into a neighbor who does his own brakes. He basically told me the same thing. He said fill them both up, pump the brakes, wait a day and look for leaks. Since the car was sitting through a Michigan Winter I can see where the stains have washed out underneath. I guess I have my next day off (Wednesday) project all lined up. I'll update later this week.

 

[Dominic26]

Problem is finally solved and fixed. The power steering return line and 2 brake lines had rusted out. Brakes work like a charm and steers good. Since it sat for almost a year I now have to get the dead bugs out before a 15 yr old will get in to drive.

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[melsg5]

good to hear you found and corrected the problem