1992 Subaru Legacy, sudden loss of brake. Pads? Rotor? Cal?

CLOSEHAUL4LIFE

MEMBER
1992 SUBARU LEGACY
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
105,000 MILES

So when getting off the highway the other day, I depressed the brake, as I did there was a loud clunk from the back right wheel and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. As I coasted off the exit, at lower speeds there began a loud grinding coming from the back right wheel. I still had the ability to brake you just need to pump the brakes in order to gain pressure on the pedal. When I reached my destination. I jacked the car up and popped off the wheel. There was no leaking fluid (from anywhere including the back right brake). The pads are old and it was obvious from the presence of rust and lack of wear on the rotor that they need to be desperately changed. However.I have never heard of that causing a sudden loss of braking power. Is it possible for a brake pad just to rust out. Or is it something else like the caliper?

1 Reply

AUTOZONEBRAKESEXPERT

MECHANIC
47 POSTS

If it seems to take a long time to stop the car when applying the brakes, where you have to push the pedal down hard to come to a complete stop:
* This condition is often due to � brake fade, ’ which occurs when the linings become too hot. It may be caused by linings that are too thin or brakes that are overworked.
* This condition may also be caused by air in the hydraulic system, a fluid leak in master cylinder, a hose or line leak in system, and/or if the brakes misadjusted.
* This may also be an indication that the rear (or front) brakes that are not operating as designed. This requires the front brakes to work harder resulting in overheating and longer stopping distances.

If you hear grinding sounds when you apply the brakes:
* The most common cause for this condition is when the lining has worn past its service limit and the metal plate is contacting the rotor.
* Some drivers may experience a grinding noise only when the pedal is slightly applied and the vehicle is moving very slow (such as slightly releasing the pedal from a stop position). This operation is normal.