Not sure how to explain this but basically I have no break pressure or power. My car stops but not well and with the pedal smashed on the floor. When I do a really hard turn when parking like a U turn I will lose the brakes completely until I stomp on the pedal and they work again.
When I had the wheels off I noticed that the pads looked new up front but my friend said I needed new rotors – could that be the problem?

Just wanted to see if anyone has any idea what’s going?

 

You have an internal leak in the master cylinder. You can try bleeding the brakes first, but if that is no help, then for sure replace the master cylinder.

 

I put money on a bad master cylinder. If you're stopped with your foot on the brake, does the pedal slowly sink to the floor? If so, it's the master cylinder.

 

i had the same problem its the master cylinder trust me

 

Good time to upgrade to the 90-91 4dr EX MC.

 

I have a spare MC of a 88 Dx hatchback. Will ship for the right price.

http://www.hondamarketplace.co...46929

You can clearly see it, still works too! PM me if you are interested.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ED7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You have an internal leak in the master cylinder. You can try bleeding the brakes first, but if that is no help, then for sure replace the master cylinder. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Ok I am going to try and bleed the brakes first but it sounds like its something besides that. How would I know if I need a master cylinder or a brake boost?

 

Boosters rarely go bad, basically if the pedal just slowly sinks and you have bled the brakes then MC is gone. Also if you pump the pedal do you get any pressure? When you go buy your new MC make sure you get the 15/16 MC it will give you a little more brake pedal than your current 13/16 MC. Just ask for 90-91 Civic 4dr EX and you will see that where the piston is at is bigger and it should say 15/16 on it.

 

bump....i got the same prob......i hit the brake and the pedal goes to the floor lil by lil......i have stoped using the car since and got a 4 door ex MC ready....and just in case i got new rear calipers.....i was affraid it was going to be the BB (brake booster).

 

You too have a internally leaking master cylinder.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ED7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You too have a internally leaking master cylinder.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Cool thanks for the info guys…

I know this sounds weird but when I push my brake pedal all the way down when at a complete stop it makes the exhaust make a light but distinct noise. I thought I was just tripping but I did it several times and it always makes this sort of change in exhaust noise when I mash the brake when at a complete stop. Any ideas?

 

When you pumping the brake pedal at a stop its giving the engine more air through the brake booster...so the idle would come up a little and that why you would hear the exhaust note get slightly louder.