Brake System Contaminated... Help!

[CSieber]

I recently purchased a 2000 vehicross from an auction in California. I paid about $3,600 total for the car and delivery to Austin, TX. I test drove it, then immediately garaged it because there was a power steering leak and the brakes felt way too squishy.

I just took it to a mechanic and they informed me that the brake system is contaminated with some sort of oil based product. I don’t doubt his diagnosis. He said all rubber brake items must be replaced and that the total will come to $2,200. The major items include the master cylinder, proportioning valve, lines, calipers. He said parts would be $1400 and labor $800.

Does anyone have experience with a similar brake system contamination issue? Does $2,200 seem reasonable? I’m tempted to try to replace these parts myself with the help of an ASE mechanic from craigslist.

I've priced the parts at about $500. Does anyone know how much labor I should plan for? Is this job best left for the pros or could a regular joe get it done?

Also, does anyone know where to find the correct proportioning valve?

I really don't have the money to fix the car so if I can't get it done cheap then my VX might be dead...

Any info, advice, and pointing out previous posts would be greatly appreciated.

CS

[Triathlete]

Are there any leaks in the brake system?
If not I would flush the brake system and out new fluids in firat and see if that fixes it.

[yellowgizmo99]

my thoughts also

[CSieber]

The brakes aren't leaking. My understanding is that the oil based fluid (power steering) is absorbed by the soft rubber parts in the brake system. Basically, it causes the brake system to fail. I guess it wouldn't hurt to flush the system a few times. I see the logic in starting simple and working up to a new brake system. However, my gut is telling me that it is much more serious...

[JoFotoz]

3X that!... agree, flush first if no leaks.

And, inspect hoses thoroughly for any signs of rot/degradation
from "contaminated" fluid.

As for power steering leak... its a small hands job,tight space..
...at least for me!

If its a faulty steering box, rather than leaking connections...
.... PM me...I may have a spare used one .

jo

[FlyingV77]

did you have the VX inspected by an inspection service? if so, they should have caught this, and would be liable for the cost of fixing the problem if they missed it.

[JoFotoz]

I may be wrong..but given it was purchased from an auction...

...I doubt an inspection was even possible.

Jo

[vt_maverick]

If you've priced parts at $500 and your shop wants to charge you $1400 I would RUN, not walk away, regardless of whether they're right or not.

[tom4bren]

Agree that you should flush your brake system first before starting to replace everything ... but mebbe upgrade to Stainless Steel brake lines whilst your at it.

[CSieber]

So I bought a four calipers, new steel brake hoses, a master cylinder, a proportioning valve, new brake pads, and a couple of gallons of brake fluid for about $400. I also found a mechanic that would do the work for $400.

Well, he talked a good game then flaked on me. So I decided to do the work myself. It was pretty easy but took about 8 hours. The hardest and worst part was breaking loose all the bolts and clips. The brake line bolts are soft so a couple were nightmares. Especially the brake hose by the fuel tank...

I haven't worked on a car since high school so I'm proud that I got all the parts replaced, that I didn't kill myself, and that the brake system works.

I'm still frustrated because the ABS light is still on....

[Mile High VX]

I'm still frustrated because the ABS light is still on....

It's a common issue...you can have the electric module rebuilt for about $100.

Do a search and you'll find the information that several members have used with success.

[CSieber]

I forget to mention that I had the abs module rebuilt and installed it. I put 2 miles on the rebuilt abs thing so it might have been exposed to bad brake fluid. But I don't think so. I think I might try to see if any codes are popping up. I may just remove the abs bulb. I'm worried about getting the VX inspected in Austin, TX.

Although I've only driven it 10 miles in the 7 months I've had the VX; the garage time, repairs, and hours and hours on the forum and internet sourcing parts makes me feel like I'm a seasoned VX owner.

[vp277]

[QUOTE=hours and hours on the forum and internet sourcing parts makes me feel like I'm a seasoned VX owner.[/QUOTE]
That's the spirit!

[rowhard]

I've only driven it 10 miles in the 7 months I've had the VX, I'm a seasoned VX owner.

think I'd be more then just a seasoned VX owner

[VX crazy]

I forget to mention that I had the abs module rebuilt and installed it. I put 2 miles on the rebuilt abs thing so it might have been exposed to bad brake fluid. But I don't think so. I think I might try to see if any codes are popping up. I may just remove the abs bulb. I'm worried about getting the VX inspected in Austin, TX.

Although I've only driven it 10 miles in the 7 months I've had the VX; the garage time, repairs, and hours and hours on the forum and internet sourcing parts makes me feel like I'm a seasoned VX owner.

you are going to have zero problem getting that inspected here in Austin. I have been to several places over the years with ABS light on and its always passed, and I asked a friend that inspects mine some of the time and he said they only require your brake light not be on, meaning you have bad brakes.