My 99 corolla is leaking break fluid from the rear passenger-side tire area, but it only seems to leak when I put the emergency brake on. Does anyone know what the problem might be and about how much it would cost to fix? Is it easily fixed, or should I take it to a mechanic?
You didn't mention whether your car has rear disc brakes or drum brakes. I'm guessing that you have drum brakes and that you have a leaking wheel cylinder. You should take it to a competent technician ASAP because the if the brake fluid gets on the brake shoes, which is probably the case, you have reduced and uneven left-to-right stopping power.
What a cheesy poorly made product the corolla is.
East-
anyone smell a troll?
Have someone check this. Could be something as simple as a loose bleeder valve (cheap fix) or a leaking piston/cylinder. Find a mechanic you trust.
glad I didn't step in it!
Should be relatively inexpensive to fix - parts and labor to change both rear wheel cylinders with rebuilds should be $150 to $200. If the brake shoes got contaminated with leaking brake fluid, add roughly $50 for a set of new shoes, and you might need a combi kit (a fresh set of all the springs and clips that hold the shoes in position against the backing plate) if there are any signs of rust or damage.
It's something that you can repair yourself BUT with the caveat that you have to have a repair manual on hand (preferably the Toyota Factory Service Manual, very expensive but very thorough) that shows all the proper steps, understand exactly what you are doing, and be confident in your skills to do it right the first time. And you have to be willing to invest in any special brake tools needed like the special pliers for removing and installing the springs and retainers, no cheating with a pair of pump pliers allowed.
With brakes, the 'screw up potential' factor is way too high to cut any corners at all. When you put your foot on the pedal, those brakes have to be there, Or Else.
You do brakes as a set (both sides) to make maintenance easier, they're in the same state. Otherwise it would be like doing a spinning plates act on a variety show, you fix one thing, then another starts going, then you catch that and another starts acting up...
The Toyota FSM will run you roughly $200, which sounds like a lot until the first time it helps you solve a problem and saves you more than that - and it even works if the car breaks in the middle of nowhere, the local mechanic can use it if there are no Toyota experts available.
(The difference between the Toyota FSM and the Haynes or Chilton repair manuals is like the difference between a Julia Child or James Beard Cookbook and that looseleaf one that the church ladies mimeograph off each year - it's only expensive till that complex meal comes out perfectly on the first try.)
The tools can be a one-time investment of $50 to $100, but buy decent ones and you'll be able to use them forever. And your hands will clean up fine afterward, so don't freak :-) but Do Not Get Brake Fluid On The Car Paint, unless you want to strip the paint off.
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Jack mutters:
For Corolla back brakes, the Hanes manual is actually quite a good DIY book .
It has no less than 30 photos showing the back brakes and how to change shoes, step-by-step. As well, there is an exploded view of the assembly.
True, Hanes is imperfect in other areas (e.g. brake lines firewall fastening removal, or, front wheel bearing replacement).
You're welcome!
BTW, someone mentioned that the bleeder screw might be loose. Since you mentioned that the fluid leaks more when the parking brakes are applied and did not mention a leak when the service brake (regular brakes) are applied, I doubt if it is the bleeder screw. A loose bleeder screw will leak brake fluid when the brakes are applied and will result in a very spongy brake pedal feel from all the air sucked in.
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