I have a 95 integra LS. For about a year I've occasionally had fading brakes, meaning that once in a while when I would apply my brakes, they would feel fine at first, then the pedal would slowly drift down to the floor. The problem has gradually gotten worse, and now any time I hit the brakes the pedal travels to the floor with little resistance, as well as little braking.
I do have some knowledge on cars. My fluid resivior has never been low. I bleed my brakes, there was some air, but I noticed that my front right, and rear left brakes (diagonal from each other) had very little hydrolic pressure. About the first 7 or so times I losened the bleeding bolt fluid only dripped out, then when it came out faster it didn't squirt out as fast as it should. The fact that the two diagonal brakes are not functioning properly leads me to beleive that there is a problem in one side of the (split, i.e. diagonal) braking system, rather than contaminated fluid, because I think (not sure) that if the probem were contaminated fluid, then all four brakes would be affected. I think that either one side of the master cylinder isn't functioning properly or that there is a leak in my brake lines. I can imagine that it would be difficult to track down a leak in my brake lines, and I don't want to buy a master cylinder of thats not the problem. Based on the information that I've provided can anyone tell what the problem is with my car (master cylinder, brake lines etc.). Any intelligent response will be appreciated.

 

I would guess you have 1 of 2 problems. You either have a leak somewhere or the master cylinder is shot. The most likely being the master cylinder is bad. I work at a delership and 99.9 percent of the time the master cylinder is bad when this occurs. I would be sure to check all brake lines and also where the brake pedal goes through the firewall into the master cylinder {inside the car} as you will sometimes have a leak that goes unnoticed under the dash. But as I said.......I would almost bet my next paycheck that it's a bad master cylinder. Also be sure to bench bleed the new cylinder before you install it. If you don't....you will be walking with a limp for the next day or so. Good Luck!!

 

thanks, I'll let you know how it works out

 

Since it opposite corners I would look at the proportioning valve. I believe its located on the Firewall behind the IM.

 

No the Proportioning Valve regulates hydrolic pressure to the rear wheels during heavy breaking to prevent rear wheel lock up. next time you should do a little research before you post a reply, or you'll cause more harm than help.

 

im having the same problem with my car..

 

It was the master cylinder. I got a rebuilt one from advanced auto parts for
$117 -$37 core. Brakes work great now.

 

Out of curiosity, did your ABS light ever go on during this?
Thanks

 

i wanna know that too

 

non OEM master cylinders are garbage.... stick with oem REMAN or new if you can

 

Please elaborate on "bench bleed the new cylinder before you install it"....is this the same as bleeding the brakes?

 

Bench bleeding bleeds the MC itself by using small hoses to cycle brake fluid, and it is done out of the car, thus the title bench bleeding.

Bleeding the brake lines is done any time the system is opened, like when you replace a caliper, MC, lines, etc. Do a search on bleeding brakes.