OK, visually inspected brake hoses at the wheels and saw no cracks, bulges, leaks, or anything unusual.

Master cylinder was dry at seals.

Pulled back carpet behind brake pedal and it was dry.

Should I schedule an appointment to just replace the fluid and bleed the system? Is there a reasonable chance that this could be the only problem? The brakes were bled last year when we changed pads and rotors. Trying to decide what first step to take now to correct the problem.

 

I'd grab a friend or offspring or whatever and do it myself. It's really pretty simple. Most shops will probably charge at least and hour or two. And they'll end up pressure bleeding it anyway, which isn't a horrible thing, but might end up making your master cylinder reservoir leak, and then you'll probably have to replace it anyway.

I'd also crack open and bleed the brake lines where the go into and out of the ABS pump first, and then at each wheel. There is a diagram in RAVE showing the order each caliper should be bled.