Well, I know close to nothing at all about auto repair, I've just seen oil changes, tire rotations, the basic works while spending some time in a shop. I just recently spent $500 to replace oilpan gasket and one CV boot. Now my brakes are going to the floor sometimes, and by reading topics here I'm guessing I need to replace the master cylinder. The fluid level has dropped a bit, however, so I'm not sure if that's all that needs to be done. Would someone like me with very little auto repair experience be able to replace master cylinder/brake lines myself? And if so, how long would it take me? (By the way, if someone could give me an explanation on how to jack up a car that would be great too). If I were to take it to a shop, about how much would it cost me?

The second thing is a front motor mount, next to the radiator? Same questions, could I replace it myself/how much would taking it to a mechanic cost? Thanks for the input ahead of time!

 

go to our DIY section ,, there is a write up on HOT TO replace brake masre cylinder ,,,, if you think you can handle it do it...
you got any tools ??


On second thought after reading a bit further ,,,and you are asking help on how to jack a car up,, no offense and please do not feel insulted but you got no business working on your own car....especially a safety issue such a brake master cylinder ...

And by the way you really should learn how to jack a car up,, you need to if you ever get a flat in the middle of nowhere and need to put the spare tire on,,

 

Jacking to change a flat tire is easy - it's in the owner's manual. But never -NEVER- get underneath the car with just a jack. When it falls, the blood makes such a mess everywhere.

You want to use good jack STANDS, because they lock solidly into position & they're much safer.

Like Desert says, read thru the DIY section to see what you're in for. But I'd recommend not doing brakes until you get some other experience behind you. I don't wanna be a jerk, but having screwed-up brakes is dangerous to others around you too. Find a friend who's a gear-head & work on them together?