Brakes are acting up

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Jun 26, 2011 | 05:19 PM

RealtorBob

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Brakes are acting up

I have a list of symptoms starting with having to push hard on the pedal to stop or stay stopped, checked booster, plenty of vacuum. Then one day suddenly the pedal gets spongy and goes to the floor, pumping helps to stop. I pull into the nearest Auto Zone and check fluid level, it's a little low but OK...but I do note that it is leaking and all the paint on the fender well is pealing. I drive very carefully to work and assume I need a new master cylinder. I get in to drive home (carefully) and all is OK again. When I get home I get the hose out to stop the corrosion under the hood and realize the leak appears to be from the seal between the master and the reservoir. Now for my question, before I tear into it, are the seals that are leaking part of the new master cylinder and/or the reseal kits available? Is it worth the savings to rebuild, or is it a pain that will make me say to myself "I should have just bought the new Master cylinder?" On a scale of 1-10 I would consider myself an 8 as a mechanic.
Thanks all

Jun 26, 2011 | 07:44 PM

Doug

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Pacific Northwest USA

You don't mention the year or exact model.

If it's a Series III XJ6/12/VDp I'm pretty sure the reservoir seals come only with a new reservoir if you want to buy them from Jaguar. Aftermarket Jag suppliers might sell them separately.

A new master cylinder will probably be about $125 or so....not bad as far as master cylinders go but a rebuild kit is probably only $40 or so. You'll have to decide which way to go. I don't think there's anything exotic about these master cylinders...lots of guys rebuild them on their own. I prefer new, but that's me.

Cheers
DD