2005 Cobalt just going to turn 50,000 kms, took into dealership today, advised that brake modulator is leaking and should be relaced as well as EBCM. Quoted price in excess of $2100.00. Picked up car and have made no decision yet, seems like a lot of money. I have no experience with anything like this, any opinions would be welcome.

Thanks, Eric

 

Park your car over a clean spot on the driveway. Or put some clean cardboard underneath. Pump the brakes and clutch alot!. Then leave it sit for a while. If you are leaking, you'll see it on the ground where it was clean before. If not, then the dealership is being a Stealershit. These cars, the brake and clutch fluid is the same. It is normal for brake fluid in the resavour to gradually decrease as the brake pads wear down, and the fluid moves from the resaviour to the slave cylinders in the calipers. Look it over your self.

Did they say why the EBCM needs to be replaced? Do you have any problems with things? CEL on?
If your auto, forget about the clutch part

 

2005 Cobalt is automatic, here is direct quote off dealership recomendation, "found trails of brake fluid from underneath vehicle, checked all bleeder fittings on all four brakes and brake lines and found no leaks, followed leak, possible internal fault inside brake modulator valve and should be replaced along with new EBCM for possible EBCM contamination".
I did see clear fluid on garage floor for the 1st time ever 3 days ago but fluid in resevoir was only slightly down. Is there any potential danger in driving if I keep an eye on brake fluid level?
Thanks,
Eric

 

Its normal for brake fluid to go down on every car as the pads wear. You will be fine as long as you don't let the reservoir run dry. Running it dry = entire system has air = your fucked.

 

Was this before or after they told you that you had a leak. Some places have been known to squirt oil on things to convince the owner of a leak or such.

If you noticed the fluid before you took it to them then it's probably legit.

Id jack it up myself, put it on jackstands, and get a clean rag and clean all the fluid. Then see if it comes back. If it comes back, then you do have a leak. I would say yes there is risk to driving with a brake leak. As you push the pedal, it will push the brake fluid to the pads to stop you. If you have a leak, the fluid will travel outside the vehical instead of to the pads and will reduce your stopping effectivness. Also, when you let go there is a chance of air entering the system. If it's cracked, it will continue to crack and get worse and worse. Be Careful!

 

Took car into Midas, they confirmed leak, but they could not fix because of un- sophisticated computer programs. They advised that only dealership could handle this. I think I am going to get a new vehicle, but am now a little gun shy about GM products. I kept this car in immaculate condition and did all maintenance on time, out of the 50,000 kms, 25,000 were highway but still an enormous repair came up. I was looking at the Cruze but now I don't know, any thoughts on this vehicle.

Kiw

 

Well it's official, given up on GM, got a 2012 Honda Civic.

 

Oh by the , I am 6 feet tall and sat in the back of a Cruze, very difficult getting in and no room for legs back there, door opening seems especially small. If this car was so good in other countries before coming to North America, shouldn't the warranty be longer then 36 months. I'm not slagging anyone's choice but this car was not for me or my family.