Brake Fluid Leak?? Help!

[CaliDreamin]

I was driving with my son this morning when I smelled brake fluid very strong, I pulled over a noticed a drip coming from my drivers side wheel well. I drove over to my friends house and she and I looked at it as best as two unknowing girls can. We popped the hood noticed the brake fluid level was below maximum but still within range. Upon closer examination of the wheel wells of the drivers side front and rear it was almost as if it has sprayed all over the inside of the well and the shafts behind the wheel. We compared the color and odor with the brake fluid, it was a match.

We didn't have a lift so we couldn't visually inspect the lines. Any clue what might have happened or if this is going to be a complex and costly repair?? Has anyone else experienced this?

Also the brakes felt stiffer (if that makes any sense at all).

Do you think it would be safe to drive 3 blocks up the road and back to pick up my other son from school? This is my only car and both our husbands are deployed.

 

[panda24619]

what year?
and yeah this has happened to my mom when this was hers. she was driving it then the break light came on. and the fluid was low. the break line burst. it happens. the lines are kind of cheap and can be replaced fairly easily. i dont remember how since it was so long ago. but it shouldnt cost to much. and since its both on one side no dont drive it. if it was only one i would say yes but slowly. brakes are kind of cool on newer vehicals. the left front and rear right are on one system while the right front and left rear are on another. just incase something like this happens you dont loose all brakes. but since its both on the left side you lost both sets of brakes. dont drive it. just walk to the school or ask a neighbor and get the brakes fixed. its safer that way.

 

[CaliDreamin]

Panda,

Thanks it's a 2004. The brake light did not come on, none of the lights did. It's still leaking. I drove and got my son from school and I'm going to call a mechanic to see if they can get me in tomorrow.

Thanks for your help!

 

[panda24619]

yeah. at least you got him safely. its most likely the brake lines. if not then one of the joints broke. and the light will come one when the fluid is low. just the mechanic look it at and dont pay him till you post on here what it could be if your not sure.

 

[CaliDreamin]

Just spoke to the mechanic, he said there is nothing wrong with my truck and I must have "hit something and that's how the brake fluid got there" No charge for those words of wisdom.

Ummmmm okay.

 

[panda24619]

brake fluid is under pressure. it just doesnt magicly end up somewhere. haha well if it happens again let us know.