Arrghhh!- no brakes!
 

i was reversing out of my driveway this morning, put my foot on the brake and my brake pedal sunk to the floor. I had to use the parking brake to stop the car. Popped the hood and the fluid level was down to 1/2 way. Brake fluid is leaking down the back of the driver's side wheel arch, from near the strut somewhere. Can't see an obvious leak from inside the engine compartment.

I just had a new caliper fitted on this side front brake, around 2 weeks ago. Brakes have been working fine up until now with no fluid loss. I noticed my reservior was filled above the 'max' mark after they did the brake job and i'd been hearing some groaning when using the brakes first thing in the morning.

Could it be related? Or just a hose finally breaking of old age?

You definately have a leak in the line at that front wheel. They may have stressed the brake line when the caliper was replaced. It is normal after a brake job for the fluid to be higher since the pistons are compressed further, more fluid will be pushed up to the reservoir.

thanks for your reply.

unfortunately I now have to suffer the sight of seeing my pride and joy towed away to the garage.

The leak is def. located in a line underneath the master cylinder, as there's only fluid loss there and I have absolutely no braking power at all apart from the parking brake.

Good luck, the good news is that it shouldn't be that expensive. At worst, they will have to replace the master cylinder. I think that is only like $200 bucks for the part and not too much labor. Let us know how it goes.