K, I'll try to make this brief, I'm a little steamed....

The brake pedal had to push to the floor (practically) before I'd get any bite or real braking power. Flushed the brakes, no help, mechanic says it's the master cylinder. Got the master cylinder replaced, brakes bled, and the pedal feel is slightly better, but it still pushes halfway to the floor, and it doesn't really feel any firmer, or like it's doing what it should...

For example, since I've had the problem with the brakes, they've "come back" a time or two (usually after I've been cruising on the freeway for a while, don't like to touch the brakes on the freeway, and I hadn't touched them for several miles when this happened) I may have tapped the brakes a time or two before they "tightened up" that day. Anyone recognize these symptoms??

When the brakes tightened up, I pushed, and basically got resistance immediately, and the braking power and feel was even and solid. That's the way it should be, right?

If anyone could help me out here, I'd more than appreciate it! BRAKES ARE IMPORTANT! Anyone had the same problem??

Guess that wasn't so brief, huh? Thanks for your time


[Modified by from_zer0, 10:21 PM 4/20/2002]

 

Is your parking brake/rear shoes out of adjustment? If the emergency brake handle pulls up too high then it's probably out of adjustment. Check that first. Also, is the pedal going to the floor immediately or gradually with a gentle foot? I'm having problems with my brakes, but only when its hot out.

 

i have to tap my breaks before i can even think about stoping but i think mine are just worn to crap?? but i hear your problem!!

 

Ok, first check the simplest things. Check the fluid level, check the vaccum line going to the power booster, check the check valve just before the booster, do this by disconecting the vacuum hose at the booster. Start the engine and let it idle. There should be vacuum available at the en of the hose, if not the valve is faulty. To check the booster press the brake several times while the car is off, make sure the pedal height doesn't vary, hold the pedal as it is and start the engine, it should drop slightly. Hold the pedal where it is and shut off the engine, it should stay in the depressed position for aproximatly 30 seconds. If the pedal does not drop when the car is started or rises when the car is shut off the booster is messed up. If all that checks out try bleeding the lines(either way try bleeding the lines first) If it still doesn't work try adjusting the clevis in the rear drums. To tell if it needs adjusting you will have to remove the wheel and take off the drum. When removing the drum it should be slightly difficult to remove, if it is really easy to remove, the clevis needs to be adjusted. I had the same problem.

[Modified by ED8DX, 12:42 PM 4/22/2002]


[Modified by ED8DX, 12:43 PM 4/22/2002]