brake failure

[Brian Killins]

Fortunately, the deer kept going. Brakes failed completely. Once home, I see there is fluid leaking below the 12v battery. Any chance the cause is due to some thing other than a corroded line?

thanks

[gilbertguy]

Give us an update on what you found, now you've got us all wondering? Do you live in an area that is prone to corrosion?

[Eli]

This is why you're supposed to inspect belts/brake lines/etc every 30,000 miles. But nobody inspects anything until it isn't working anymore.

[talonmike]

It is probably the line from abs module to the left front wheel. The line is attached to the aluminium firewall, and it makes the line to rust. I had to replace mine. I did not put back this clip.

[Brian Killins]

Mike

Thanks for the info. Was that line available from Honda or must it be fabricated?

I will be away until mid next week and will have a better look then. It should be easy to spot.

According the owners manual the Insight has dual brake circuits and if the problem is a line to one wheel I wonder why the other circuit would not function to some extent?? Will let you know as this gets sorted out.

[Eli]

If you've lost all your fluid, there is nothing redundant brake circuits can do.

[freezin4]

The firewall seems to be a problematic area for corrosion. Many owners have reported leaks due to rust on the fuel line on the passanger side firewall where it is secured by a clip.

I inspected mine, cleaned it and sprayed with a can of polyurethane to temporarily slow the progression. I need to remember to go back to do a more permanent preventive fix.

[talonmike]

Originally Posted by Brian Killins

Mike

Thanks for the info. Was that line available from Honda or must it be fabricated?

I will be away until mid next week and will have a better look then. It should be easy to spot.

According the owners manual the Insight has dual brake circuits and if the problem is a line to one wheel I wonder why the other circuit would not function to some extent?? Will let you know as this gets sorted out.

Available 2 years ago

[Brian Killins]

As suggested by Talonmike, the line to the left front brake at the clip on firewall was the location of the leak. The dealer parts guy said the line is available ($64) but would take 6 weeks to come. I had a local garage make a line and install it. The mechanic said it was a challenge and spent a lot of time resulting in a bill for $250. It is an okay job but I would have preferred to have the proper line.

Yes I live in Ontario but the car has not been in the salt for 5 years (and I do not know before that).

Regarding the dual circuits, I do not agree that the reservoir was empty when I encountered the deer. In any case, a safety system that does not work when there is a leak in line is lacking.

thanks everyone

[talonmike]

Even with the oem line, it was a puzzle to fit the line.