Do I really need a new brake master cylinder?

Question

I have a 1998 Honda Civic LX with 152 k miles. I recently took the car to my mechanic for an oil change and a check on all fluids, and the mechanic noticed that the brake fluid level was low and that there was paint peeling off the brake booster under the master cylinder. He recommended a master cylinder replacement.

I'm a bit suspicious about this, though. I bought the car from a dealer 2k miles ago, who bought the car at an auction, so unfortunately I have no maintenance records. But, I have had the brakes looked at, and they were fine. And, I never noticed any difference in the braking (squishiness, difficulty stopping, etc.) The rough paint on the booster feels dry, not fresh - as I  would think. Also, I know that the brake level could get lower as the brake pads wear.

My question is: shouldn't the paint on the booster feel wet if the master cylinder is bad or would you still recommend a replacement?

Thanks in advance!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The paint wouldn't necessarily feel wet if the master cylinder was leaking very slowly through the piston assembly, so the mechanic in essence is right. However, if you never notice any fluid level drop (keeping it checked very often), and your brakes are fine, than i don't see any real cause for alarm. After all, if you spill brake fluid on the booster when you are adding it, you will see the same picture as you have now, a dry booster that had fluid on it at some time.  So watch it, and maybe your mechanic also

Eddie W · Answer

Low brake fluid level doesn't mean a lot. Assuming the fluid reservoir was topped up when the brakes were new. When the brake pads get thinner, the brake fluid level would go down. 

If there no obvious sign of brake fluid leaking and the left & right brakes are worn out equally, you don't need to replace the master cylinder.

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Do I really need a new brake master cylinder?

2 Answers