Sounds pretty cut and dry to me...You have a wheel cylinder, a caliper, or a brake line leaking. Find out which it is and fix it and your brakes will work again.
It sounds like either a leaking wheel cylinder or caliper (drum brakes have wheel cylinders, disc brakes have calipers--your car could have either one on the back) or a leaking brake line. In any case, DO NOT drive the car without repairing this. Your brake system has lost the ability to maintain pressure and will not work properly.
To isolate the problem, you will have to look under the car and see where the fluid is leaking from. Be careful...brake fluid is flammable and can spray from a leak at high pressure.
If you aren't comfortable with car repairs, I would highly recommend finding a reputable mechanic to repair this. This is not the type of leak repair that can be patched. The leaking parts have worn out and must be replaced.
The cost of parts, even if the brake pads themselves have been contaminated with fluid, should be less than $100.
There is a damaged caliper piston seal or a brake line leak. Both are hazards to be repaired as soon as possible. Also fill up the master cylinder and check the system for air in the lines.
I tried pumping the breaks to see if they locked up.. but didn't seem to work. I was wondering is it a costly repair
Yes. I would call several shops like Sears, Midas, local garage, etc. Get some estimates on the price for a complete brake inspection. Ask for prices for new pads, calipers, rear linings. Make sure they will guarantee the work. Sorry it might be costly but at least you'll be safe.
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SOURCE: my brake light came on
youhave eather a brake line failure or if you have drum brakes in the rear your Brake cylinder might be bad eather way dont drive this car before its been repaired
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