Brakes need fixing?

About a week ago I noticed that my 72 LTD was becoming difficult to slow down. The problem has gotten worse and since then, the only way I can stop the car is by mashing down on the brake pedal. Theres no resistance at all until I'm almost to the floor. I've had this car since the summer and havn't had the brakes checked out before.
I've been told it could be fluid levels or a drum or the master cylinder, but I'm thinking about taking it to Midas if its too big of a job. I just want to know what the problem could be and how it can be fixed.

First off, check the fluid level. If it is low, fill it and check the level again in a week. You can also check the rubber soft lines for cracking/leaking. It sounds to me like youre not building pressure, and I would suspect the master cylinder first. Look for leaks around the master cylinder where it bolts to the booster. If the cylinder is bad, it isnt a really hard part to replace. Midas WILL charge an arm, leg, first born, left testicle, etc. for any work they do.

forgot to mention that the idiot light came on today.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: jols83 on 1/6/04 4:20pm ]</font>

Is the car pulling to one side when you brake? If it is, then its likely something wrong with soft lines/calipers. If it doesnt pull, I bet its the master cylinder.

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On 2004-01-06 04:21, ChicoB wrote:
Is the car pulling to one side when you brake? If it is, then its likely something wrong with soft lines/calipers. If it doesnt pull, I bet its the master cylinder.
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yeah its doing that - started pulling left when I noticed the problem first. Is fixing those things a reasonable undertaking, or would I be better going to a place like midas.

Its really not that hard to do, especially if you have disc brakes. Midas might convince you to do it yourself-once you get their quote that is.
It would be resonable to expect to spend 45 min per wheel replacing calipers or drum cylinders and bleeding them. Im very familiar with my car, and can replace calipers and bleed in 20 mins per wheel.