2000 rear brake failure/leak

[DELSURFIN]

Lost my rear brakes on the way to work this AM.

Looks like fluid spray on the rear tire--no rear brake pedal.

Front brakes still working.

Safe to drive carefully to the shop (10 miles)?

Thank you

ED

[Eck]

Yes, you can ride it 10 plus miles safely using just the front brakes, by providing extra stopping space and using good cautionary riding skills.

 

Sounds like the caliper is leaking, or you have a hole in the brake hose / line.

[DELSURFIN]

Thank you.

I wasn't sure if the front brake had a seperate fluid cylinder and was concerned I may lose the front brakes from the rear leak.

ED

[Guest human4m]

I would think so, just BE CAREFUL! If there's brake fluid on the rear tire, be ready for a fish-tailin' fun time! As long as you're covering the front brake, and taking it REALLY easy, I think it'd be fine to go 10 miles to the shop. Then again, this is more of a personal judgement call than a a question that should be answered by opinion.

[LilBeaver]

If it is still leaking (and there is fluid left in the reservoir) it may be worth pumping/removing the rest of the fluid from the rear brake system to keep brake fluid off that rear tire and from ruining any painted or plastic surface that it might find its way to.

 

If it is a busted hose/brake line you could always wrap it up with a napkin, paper towel or packing tape or something - just to keep the spray down/contained...