Notices
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-25-2009, 11:59 AM
  #1  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
urbach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

At idle the brake pedal slowly depresses to the floor. If I let my foot off and press again, it regains original pressure but then slowly depresses to the floor again. If I give it a little throttle above 1000 rpm, the brakes maintain hydraulic pressure. I can't find any sign of leaks, and I've bled it to be sure there's no air. Given the dependence on engine RPM, my guess is that the brake booster or master cylinder have gone bad. Any advice?
Old 02-25-2009, 01:07 PM
  #2  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Former User's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 45,219
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes on 22 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

Try these tests:

Old 02-25-2009, 01:29 PM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
 
trustdestruction's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FL
Posts: 4,134
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

hmm i have a similar problem but idk if it's a problem...

RonJ: If I am idling right after driving, the idle is a little high (~1.1k) but after a few seconds it drops to normal. I assume this to be normal. However, when the idle drops to normal, i feel the brake pedal go down a little bit... not a lot, just a tiny bit. I'm not sure if it's suppose to do this or not.
Old 02-25-2009, 01:36 PM
  #4  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Former User's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 45,219
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes on 22 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

Originally Posted by trustdestruction
hmm i have a similar problem but idk if it's a problem...

RonJ: If I am idling right after driving, the idle is a little high (~1.1k) but after a few seconds it drops to normal. I assume this to be normal. However, when the idle drops to normal, i feel the brake pedal go down a little bit... not a lot, just a tiny bit. I'm not sure if it's suppose to do this or not.
Trust, it doesn't sound like a major problem, but you may want to test the check valve.
Old 02-25-2009, 02:10 PM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
 
trustdestruction's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FL
Posts: 4,134
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

i checked it and it's fine
thanks

i'm done with my short little threadjack
Old 02-25-2009, 03:21 PM
  #6  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
urbach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

RonJ: Thanks for the info. It failed functional test #1 and passed the other tests, so it appears the booster is ok. Today while driving home I noticed that I'm now starting to lose substantial braking power, and it's getting a little dangerous. The master cylinder, lines, and calipers are all original. I've just ordered a new master cylinder. I'd rather not have to replace the calipers if possible--is there an easy way to test for faulty caliper or lines?
Old 02-25-2009, 03:55 PM
  #7  
Honda-Tech Member
 
schwazel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: arlington, tx
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

it probably wont need calipers. mos def sounds like a master cylinder to me. depending on how bad the master cylinder is, you probably wont really be able to check the calipers for piston movement.
Old 02-25-2009, 07:03 PM
  #8  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Former User's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 45,219
Likes: 0
Received 44 Likes on 22 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

Originally Posted by schwazel
it probably wont need calipers. mos def sounds like a master cylinder to me. depending on how bad the master cylinder is, you probably wont really be able to check the calipers for piston movement.
I agree. The master cylinder is the prime suspect.
Old 02-26-2009, 04:01 AM
  #9  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
urbach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

Thanks guys. Hopefully this will do the trick.
Old 03-10-2009, 04:10 PM
  #10  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
urbach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic

I replaced the master cylinder, and no more problem. Many thanks!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jvr
Honda Accord (1990 - 2002)
4
06-18-2021 09:42 AM
sohcef9
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
2
11-04-2009 01:27 PM
slim9300
Tech / Misc
20
07-14-2004 10:14 AM
slim9300
Honda Prelude
31
05-10-2004 07:03 PM



Quick Reply: brakes lose pressure while idling, 94 civic



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:19 AM.