Brakes

[jimmers]

Every once in awhile my brakes will go right to the floor. Then next time i push it they are fine.....this happens once every few days. Is is possible that i have an air pocket through out the system?

Thanks everyone this is a great site!!

 

[jimmers]

Nobody has any idea???:confused

 

[Edmond]

Yes, that is possible. Check the brake fluid, first at the master cylinder and see how the level looks. Make sure that there aren't any leaks.

I know this isn't an issue with you but if the pedal is too hard to press, it's the brake booster, which is a PITA to change.

 

[jimmers]

The levels at the master cylinders are both good. I guess i could bleed the system just to make sure there isnt any air in it.

 

[Edmond]

How is the color of the brake fluid? Is it still relatively light or is it dark?

I would bleed the system. Start at the furthest wheel from the master cylinder and work your way to the closest wheel.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

A sign that the O-rings in your master cylinder are on their way out is imtermittant loss of brake pressure. If you push it hard it will hold pressure, but if you press the pedal softly it goes right to the floor. That's my estimate of what's happening.

 

[Edmond]

A sign that the O-rings in your master cylinder are on their way out is imtermittant loss of brake pressure. If you push it hard it will hold pressure, but if you press the pedal softly it goes right to the floor. That's my estimate of what's happening.

Instead of shelling out $150 for a master cylinder, would one of the rebuild kits have the O-rings?

 

[wishuwerehere82]

They sure do. All you need is a pair of snap ring pliers to get the cylinder out.

 

[jimmers]

the brake fluid is somewhat dark, probably darker then it should be. I didnt know the o-rings would affect that...thats for the input guys ill check them out and take it from there.

 

[Edmond]

the brake fluid is somewhat dark, probably darker then it should be. I didnt know the o-rings would affect that...thats for the input guys ill check them out and take it from there.

I'm not really sure but my thinking is that faulty O-rings would cause a loss in pressure. I'm pretty sure it's a pressure operated system.

 

[PLRX]

The pedal goes down to the floor? You may have a leak. An open bleeder perhaps.... be carefull where you go like that.:nono

 

[jimmers]

ive checked for leaks and i cant find a thing. It doesnt happen to often thats why i think there is an air pocket somewhere in the system. When it does go to the floor i just pump the brakes a few times and they get stiffer with each press. It

 

[taegdh]

You mentioned darker than it should be, then this is the time to spend about $25 for new bleeders, (anti siphon type), and push out the old and put in the new. That, along with the possibility of rebuilding the seals in your master cylinder, which if everything goes your way, will only set you back another $25 or less, and a few hours of YOUR time will go along way toward giving YOU piece of mind, better performance and SAVING YOUR LIFE.

Remember, having the speed and handling does nothing unless you can stop.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

ive checked for leaks and i cant find a thing. It doesnt happen to often thats why i think there is an air pocket somewhere in the system. When it does go to the floor i just pump the brakes a few times and they get stiffer with each press. It

Yep, that is exactly what it feels like when a master cylinder starts to fail. Soon it will do it all the time, fix it before you have to stop for a school bus and can't.

Try this test. Apply the brakes hard and pump them up. Then push the pedal softly as if you were sitting at a light in neutral, just enough to keep the car in place. See if your pedal slowly starts to sink to the floor as you press lightly.
If it does, then that's the master cylinder leaking by the O-ring.

Another possiblity is that one of your rotors is out of true and causing a caliper to suck air into the system. but that would cause your pedal pressure to get mushy and stay that way until you bleed it.

 

[jimmers]

i just ordered a new master cylinder. I picked one up for $95 only. Ill put it in later on tonight.
Thanks for all the info you guys!

 

[Edmond]

i just ordered a new master cylinder. I picked one up for $95 only. Ill put it in later on tonight.
Thanks for all the info you guys!

Don't forget fresh brake fluid. Bleed in this order:

rear passenger
rear driver
front passenger
front driver

Brake fluid is cheap enough to where you can just bleed the whole system. Get DOT 3 fluid.

 

[jimmers]

ya thanks i picked some break fluid up to!
I was also reading that bad o-rings in the master cylidner can cause squeaky brakes when pushed very lightly. Thats another problem i was having. So hopefully i can fix both by just doing this.
Thanks again guys.