Questions and Answers

Toyota Tacoma Brake Problem Q. I drive a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. I started to experience brake trouble approximately 1 month after having an oil change at a local Big O Tires. I noticed the problem because as I would be driving down the road it felt like the brakes were being applied when they weren't. I took it to the Big O and they said the whole system was contaminated.

I took it for a second opinion and they said it appeared that power steering fluid had been mixed into my brake system. The only shop I take my truck to is Big O Tires. Big O wants to take no responsibility because they said it took to long for the two to mix and cause problems.

My question to you is could it take that long for the two fluids to mix? Big O has given me a quote of approximately $1,100.00 for all of the fixes needed. The owner told me he is not going to charge labor because they feel bad about the situation.

Chris

A. Brake fluid is, basically, a water based liquid and power steering fluid is oil based. Oil and water don't readily mix but these two fluids will mix after a while. The seals in the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders will deteriorate when brake fluid is contaminated with motor oil, transmission or power steering fluid.

It does take a while for the two to mix and permeate the entire brake system and a bit longer for the effects of the contamination to do it's damage.

Chances are that if there is no leakage anywhere at this point, a complete brake fluid may be all that is needed, but the life of the brake components will be shorted, how much depends on how long the contamination has been present.

The safest thing to do would be to replace the hydraulic brake components if only to buy piece of mind.