I have a pretty much stock 91 civic hatch and about a month ago my brakes started getting harder to use. Im going to list the things I noticed and maybe someone can help me figure this out.

It doesn't stop as quick as it use to. The pedal isn't harder to push down but I have to push down farther to get the car to slow down. When I do press the breaks I hear a hissing (like an air leak) that sounds like its coming from somewhere near the pedals. Also when Im stopped somewhere, just idling and I press the breaks the engine looses some power and sounds like it's getting ready to shut off on me.

I checked the breaks and bled the too. But its still does it. Someone told me it could be the power booster but he wasn't too sure. I dont want to end up spending $100 and find out that wasn't the problem. So can anyone confirm this or let me know other things that could be wrong.


Modified by Dr.Nick at 10:32 PM 5/19/2008

 

My CRX did the same thing.. Turned out to be the Master cylinder not the booster

 

Alright, any other suggestions?

 

Its your booster i am 100% sure. Same **** happend to me.

 

That was the first thing I addressed when buying my car. Was the booster going bad. Hitting the breaks felt like turning on the high beams on a car with a bad alternator.

 

you should not be having problems with your MC. It should be your Brake booster, because there is not type of vacuum with the MC (master cylinder) only the brake booster is connected with a vacuum line.