So today was the first time I started up the car after 6 weeks, I thought of taking it home to charge the battery since it has been sitting since after the new year.
The first thing I noticed when I pushed the brake pedal was that it went almost to the floor while hearing a whistling sound (as if you are trying to inflate a tyre/matress with a foot pump).
I thought the master cylinder had gone.
I continued my journey to charge up the battery keeping long distances and taking it easy.
It gradually got worse and I had to stop at a petrol station to have a look.
To my surprise the brake fluid reservoir was empty.
It took about 200-250ml to fill up, I had to push the pedal a few timesand refill to bring it up to level.
I can brake now although the pedal still goes almost to the floor (I guess air has gone into the system so the brakes need bleeding now) but I wouldn't want to drive the car like this as for anything more than a gentle stop it is just not efficient.
I parked home and checked the level again after a few hours and it hasn't gone down, I took a look in the engine bay, around the rear hoses and under the front and couldn't find any obvious leaks.
So the question is where has the fluid gone?
I'll take a better look tomorrow, jack up the car and remove the wheels.
Would it be possible that the master cylinder has gone and would that have the symptoms I see?
If so what is the part number/brand of the master cylinder I need?
Thanks.