GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

hello, I'm a newbie and very green somewhat green when it comes to tech issues w/cars so any help would be appreciated! I have a 2003 Vibe Sport automatic w/about 30k mi on it. I bought it exactly 1 year ago with 22,631 mi on it. I have had the regular oil changes every 3 months/3k mi(whatever's first). I drive like a little old lady, not gunnin it at all, LOL. In the past month I have noticed that I have to press the brake pedal a bit farther down to stop the car than in the past. The pedal doesn't go 'totally' to the floor but I am wondering if this means that I need new brakes or if not, something related to the brakes, maybe the brake line er sumthin? Does anyone know what this is and how much it would cost fixing?I have to bring it in to the dealer tomaro for an inspection and for some reason I'm thinkin there gonna tell me i need new brakes? ANY advice would be appreciated cuz I have to go to the dealer tomaro!-the newbie

It sounds like you are either low on brake fluid and/or the brake pads are worn. Unless you are feeling pulsing or vibration when you apply the brakes, it's probably just time for new brake pads.

but I only put on 7k mi in 1 year of owning i? (I purchased it used, it was GM Certified plus I bought an extended warranty but I don't think it covers brakes?) I worked at the dealership too.....anythoughts?

rear drum brakes may need adjustmentif it was a fluid leak, ie. split hose or master cylinder the pedal would fade right to the floor

It has 30K miles total, thats about the time for new brake pads. Your extended warranty probably covers the calipers, master cyclinder, etc. but it doesn't cover brake pads/ shoes or rotors. They are normal wear and tear items like tires, belts and batteries. Most repair shops around here charge $79.00-$99.00 to replace pads or shoes.

just got back from the dealership.....I mentioned it to the Service writer and he said that everything passed inspection and just like anything, the brakes 'wear' a little over time i guess? I think you are correct about the extended warranty coverage. I'm just wondering when to know to replace them? Obviously, I don't want to let the pedal go TOO far to the floor. I suppose if it REALLY needed brakes the tech would have told me. Thanks so much for all the info guys, I am DEFINITLY looking forward to learning a lot from this site! Feel free to add any other stuff you think might be of importance too!

I wouldn't suspect low fluid. As was said, if there was a leak, you'd know it for sure, and absent any leaks, I wouldn't expect brake fluid to go down that quickly. Sounds like your pads, or as C-A-V said, might just need some adjusting.

I'm glad everything's OK. At least you noticed a difference in pedal pressure. I wish I could get my wife to pick up on things like that. Every time I do her brakes, I usually end up replacing one or both rotors. She waits until they're making noise before she says anything. I would think about getting the front pads done in the next 5-10,000 miles. The back brakes usually last a lot longer (less weight in the rear).

Quote, originally posted by fmbighair » I'm just wondering when to know to replace them? the % remaining should be on that inspection form... did you do a "semi-annual"? there is a spot for brake measurements. Anything less then 20% you can do them anytime.Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »as C-A-V said, might just need some adjusting.i like that C-A-V... took me a sec to figure out who you were talking about