Cars brakes feel like they start to come on after about 5 miles

ITSPAUL

MEMBER
2007 KIA RIO
39,500 MILES

It started about a month ago after a trip of about 30 miles car loses power feels like brakes coming on, there is no pulling to the one side or another,
left to cool 10 minutes, is then ok for 10. Miles. Last journey of 25 miles car slowly came to a stop, vibration (scary) smoke was coming out adjacent to offside front wheel.
Got mechanic in changed offside flexi brake pipe and pads said something about pipe not letting fluid through properly and engaging brake system?
two days later journey of 3 miles only and this braking or something bringing me to a stop.
When I press the clutch down braking reduction is more noticeable, but engine will rev ok.
Is it the engine when hot seizing or brakes. This same mechanic serviced prior to the incident and did have difficulty with fuel filter replacement. This is a 1.5 diesel motor car

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

The rubber flex hoses are the likely suspects, but on a car this new it is more likely the brake fluid has been contaminated with a petroleum product. Check the rubber bladder seal under the brake fluid reservoir cap. If it is blown up and mushy, the fluid is contaminated.

Another possibility is a brake light switch that is out of adjustment and holding the brake pedal down a little. The secret is to get the brakes to drag again, stop on a slight incline, place a block a few inches downhill of one tire, then open the hydraulic system to see where the fluid is being trapped. Start right at the master cylinder. Loosen the steel lines. If the brakes release there, the culprit is the master cylinder, and most likely contaminated fluid.