56' Proton Savy

[crisper]

Hi all.. Mr C just checked his mums car... the above car.. there's very little brake fluid in it from what we can see...the steerings very heavy..and makes a horrible squealing/squeaking grinding noise when you turn the wheel.. two things, any idea's what it could be..and how much to fix it...and is she going to safe if she drives it to the garage...its just down the road... 10 mins drive...were unable to drive it there for her..as were working!..ta everso Mrs C x

[Teddio]

If the brake fluid is low there's probably a leak somewhere.
Does the car have fluid for the power steering?
Are the tyres correctly inflated?
The brake pads may be worn down to the metal which can cause a grinding noise.
From what you say I would not drive the car, even a short distance. It's not possible to estimate the repair cost without a diagnosis. I would suggest you call a mechanic out to have a look.

[GRUMPY]

as above

[crisper]

Thanks Teddio ..the power steering fluid was low too ..sorry I should have said that......! the grinding noise was coming when you turn the wheel.. cars on the drive.. I think the best option is to get a meachanic out to look at it... Thanks for your help ! Mrs C x

[crisper]

Thanks Grumpy :-)

[jake-the-peg]

We'll you've probably got at least two problems here.

As brake pads wear down you will get a drop in brake fluid level but if it's very low then as said above there's probably a leak and the most likeely place is on the brake pads themselves which might mean brake fluid on the pads making braking ineffective and/or uneven.

The heavy steering and nasty noise turning the steering is probably an indication of a failed power steering system, could be a lot of things possibly a new steering rack will be required

But that's a guess

I certainly wouldn't fancy driving it far - does she have breakdown cover with the AA or something like that?

[crisper]

Hi Jake...Yes she does have break down cover... but we've phoned the garage.... someone's coming up to collect it in the morning... so we don't have to worry about her driving it... and it should get sorted fairly soon...Thankyou again, everyone, for taken the time to respond! Mrs C x