Brakes

[Unregistered]

I have a 1999 Grand Am SE. This morning on my way to work I slid over a large hard chunk of snow in the driveway. After I was on the highway, I heard a scraping noise and the Brake light came on. By then I was almost to work when I went to brake, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and I almost didn't get stopped. After parking, I noticed there is a bent cord hanging down underneath the car. Can anyone tell me what the problem is before I call the mechanic? I have had all kinds of problems with this car, some that my husband could fix & others not.

 

[TropicDave]

Offhand, I'd say that hard chunk of snow took out a brake line. Did you check your master cylinder? Sounds like the system emptied itself when you pumped the brakes. What does this 'bent cord' look like?

Theoretically you should be able to get another brake hose (that connects from your caliper/drum to your metal lines), install it, refill your system with brake fluid, and bleed the air out by yourself (well, with help) and save the cost of the repair bill. I don't know what they charge for brake lines these days since I haven't replaced one in a long time, but they shouldn't be too expensive. Several pints of brake fluid isn't too costly either. Your husband should be able to fix it himself (or with a mechanically inclined friend) for under $100, I'd say. Lots cheaper than sending it to a mechanic. That is, of course, unless the chunk took out a more critical component, but even a new meat brake line shouldn't be too costly. Let us know more about what happens and how you resolved it!