My steering gearbox has been leaking for a while. When the fluid gets low the pump makes a humming noise and the brake pedal vibrates. I add fluid and it's ok for a while. Today the power steering fluid was a little low and the brake pedal went almost to the floor, barely stopping. I made it home slowly, added power steering fluid still no brakes. The brake fluid was low so I added some, still no brakes or very little braking ability, pedal still goes to floor. It's been raining so I haven't check too many things. Do you think the brake pedal going to the floor is related to the steering gearbox leak or do I now have 2 separate problems. Thanks for any help.

 

You have two issues going on. Brake fluid leaking and P/S fluid leaking. You need to find the brake fluid leak and repair that first. Then p/s gearbox replace. Be very careful not to get any P/S fluid in master cylinder just a few drops will cause major problems.

 

You "may" be able to replace the seal on the bottom of the box. My crappy AGR box lost the lock ring at the bottom & dumped fluid causing me to loose power steering. More than likely you need a new box. I suggest trying redhead. Definitely do not get AGR or Cardone. Buy a dss stabilizer with the box. It will help preserve your new box.

 

I haven't been able to find a leak in the brakes. The front brake pads need replacing. Maybe the brake fluid level has just dropped as the pads wore out. I have been checking the level by looking at the outside of the reservoir. When I took the top off it was lower than I thought. Could air in the system cause the pedal to go almost to the floor and come back up slowly.

 

The brake line behind the fuel tank is usually the first to break.