Hey guys trying to get an 89 Civic LX that has been sitting for a long time back on the road.

Haven't driven it in 6 months brakes worked fine, other than the pads being in desperate need of being replaced.

Replaced the pads today, right front caliper was super hard to swing up and back down but I got it in.

No leaks anywhere that I can see. Brake system was not opened at any time.

When the car is off brake pedal is super stiff and will not go down. When the car is on the pedal goes to the floor with no noticeable change with pumping the brake pedal.


From what I have seen people say this is probably the master cylinder?

wouldn't it make more sense that the caliper is seized?

any input would be greatly appreciated thanks!

 

Did you change the rear shoes? Did you adjust them correctly?

 

nope, only changes to the brakes where what I listed.

 

After installing the pads, did you have to pump the pedal to push the caliper pistons back out? Did you floor the pedal?
What may have happened then is the seals were damaged.
On an older MC if the pistons are pushed past their normal area of travel the bore of the MC may be rough from corrosion or the area is full of crud. This can cut or damage the seal. Then the seals will not be able to hold correct pressure.

When there is no boost assist with the pedal ratio you cannot create enough pressure manually to fail the damaged seals.
With the engine on and the boost assist working you can create more pressure at the seals which then can fail the damaged seals.

 

I bet you that is what I did, pumping too far when the engine is on.

I appreciate your advice I will look into the MC.

 

You said you only worked on the front brakes. Pull the drums and check the rear wheel cylinders for leakage. It's very common, especially at this age.