488 Brake Failure

It sounds exactly like a brake fluid issue. I've had it happen once in a different car, master cylinder failed, brake fluid leaked out and no brake pressure. Certainly an unnerving experience! Try to shake it off.

 

Had the same thing happen to me in my ACR Viper. While on the North Course at Pocono Raceway, at about 145 mph, I tried to scrub off some speed to enter the infield and the brakes went right to the floor. Fortunately, I was able to get around the directional cones, stayed on the tri-oval, limped back to the pits and sold the car shortly thereafter.

 

On my 458 I had the master cylinder seal leak into the brake booster causing intermittent braking problems. No issues once I replaced both. In your case, the seal on the brake cylinder could be completely disintegrated, or a bleeder screw may have come loose.

Keep us posted on the culprit please.

 

totally unacceptable on a 2018 exotic car.

never heard of on Porsche or Lambo....sad

 

Angry ex girlfriend?

Glad you’re ok.

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My 2017 Porsche GTS had a front caliper leaking at the putter zerk fitting under hard braking…enough the pedal got soft at Sebring.

 

A leak can be in many places, including places you cannot see.

But it could also be as simple as a bleed nipple someone didn't shut properly. Did you check the inside of your wheels for signs of fluid?

It could also be as simple, and as stupid, as someone failing to make sure the system was not bled too low. I've seen example of the dumbest things where someone started by topping off the reservoir and then just started to bleed, only to realize at some point that they were pulling air into the master cylinder after they emptied the tank.

The fact that this could be because of human error, means that you have to take the entire situation very seriously, and if it turns out that it is the case, the GM, the manager of their shop and you need to have a meeting to discuss this. If it was me, I would demand that FNA was notified as well. This is a really big deal if it turns out to have been human error. You and others were extremely lucky.

If they find that it is due to a part failing, demand that they hand over the defective part after it has been changed. Be demanding so that you get peace of mind - I'm sure they will understand.

Personally I would rather lose a wheel than having a brake failure, so be vigilant in this case. Brake failure is serious business.

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Sorry, I should have added the brake failure was due to overheating/boiling fluid.

 

Your 1999 Viper ACR would of really benefited from having a big-brake-kit fitted, the stock/oem brakes were not designed for track duty, especially on a high speed track like Pocono where many cars can get to 170mph before stomping on the brakes to make the 140degree infield corner. And, for track duty, always use DOT4, and must be fresh, more than 6 months since last flush, and no more than 18-24 heat cycles (i.e. of 25 minute track sessions) otherwise you are pushing your luck.

 

So it's the same issue that caused my brake failure, but more severe, since you had no brakes at all. In my case a small amount of fluid leaked inside the booster which made it unable to create vacuum but my pedal was still firm and I could still slow the car somewhat.

The master cylinder and brake booster are both made by Bosch.