ill give the car info first then describe the issue

1998 Honda Civic DX 100% stock auto with rear drums

the brakes almost hit the floor but the brakes will always work, there is just hardly any play after the brakes make the car come to a complete stop

i have not bled the brakes yet but did check the level and its been consistent, at max, for weeks now so i doubt there is a leak.

the reason why i have not bled the brake system is because the brakes dont feel spongey, theres just no pressure until the very end of the pedal play so im assuming the master cylinder is the culprit but i just want another opinion.

the car used to brake fine, i just noticed it one day after driving it. its my sisters car so i rarely drive it.

the brake booster is fine and maintains pressure for hours. i checked it by pushing the brake pedal until it was stiff and coming back hours later to ensure that its holding pressure.

could a failing wheel cylinder cause this? there are no visual leaks so i dont think its a loss of pressure due to a leak. im confortable with cars but have never owned a car with drum brakes lol.

btw, the pads have plenty of meat on them. i have not checked the shoes but i doubt they are low

Clifs: brakes work fine but doesnt catch until the very end of pedal play

 

I would bleed the system completely and see if it comes back. If no lines or or wheel cylinders are leaking then it definitely sounds like master cylinder. The master cylinder can "leak" but leaks internally displacing fluid back into the reservoir instead of outside (although external leaks can happen as well). After bleeding with the car off pump up the brake and hold it firmly. If it starts to travel slowly to the floor you have a master cylinder issue for sure.

 

bleed the brakes man, thats almost always the problem. make sure that the brake line fittings are tight. recheck for any leaks. if that doesnt fix the problem, its your master cylinder or booster.

 

I agree with these guys. Bleed the system and go from there.

 

Coming from my BB6 Prelude, my brakes don't have very much feel to them. I blame the small master cylinder. I'd bleed the brakes and change the fluid to be safe

 

My first crx(7-8years ago) had this issue, ended up needing a new master cylinder. Try bleeding first like others said.

 

bleed and if that doesnt work... replace MC

 

before you go and spend all kinds of money replacing parts, when was the last time the rear shoes were cleaned and adjusted? Contrary to popular belief, a ton of pedal feel comes from rear shoes. If they're way out of whack, you can have a very low pedal.

 

Ah this is what I was curious about since I know nothing about drum brakes. I was wondering if this would affect pedal play. I'll bleed first then learn about drums then replace bmc if necessary. Thanks