plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

Today heading to work, I noticed that my car (disc front brakes, drum rear) wasn't slowing down very well. It still had brake pressure, but it seemed to fade even if I held my foot in the same position. Stopping distance greatly increased with this. On my way home from work, my brakes are essentially not functional (don't worry, I'm not driving the car around until it is fixed). Here is a list of what I know:

-The last time I drove the car last week, the brakes worked great. I did notice that the pressure in the pedal seemed to gradually decrease, however.

- If I start the car with my foot on the brakes a bit, it is firm. When I start the car, the pedal falls and pressure gradually goes down to nothing and the pedal hits the floor.

- There is plenty of brake fluid. None has leaked out.

- The rotors are nearly brand new as well as the pads. The rear drums and shoes are also brand new 1 month ago.

- E-brake works perfectly (so the shoes/drums are at least functional with the cable).

Any ideas? Master cylinder? Brake booster? I'm at a loss...

bcmag

almost certainly master cyl. pull wheels and look for obvious leaks if clean get master cyl.

bitchin_buick

Before I bought a master cylinder, I would bleed the entire system! New brakes all the way around? Start from the back forward and repeat all 4 again! Could be the master cyl. but why buy the part which It could be. But alot of times if you re-bleed that will take care of it! Bleeding only cost fluid.......... Hopefully It's a cheap fix! That's what I check first......

plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

Will try bleeding the brakes again first. I'm suspecting a bad master cylinder. What exactly are the symptoms of a bad master cylinder? How about symptoms of a bad brake booster?

bcmag

unless you opened the hydraulic system up for when you did the previous brake work i dont see any reason for air in system...unless you indeed have a leak.if you do bleed the breaks put a new master cyl. on it this way you dont have to do twice.

bcmag

oh and by the way if you dont change the master cyl. maybe the guy you rear end will be interested in how much cheaper the brake fluid was than the master cylinder.

bitchin_buick

If you read the O.P. >> He is not driving the car! In my world you try bleeding the lines before dropping more cash.... But that is for us knowledgeable folk......

bcmag

is the sky blue there?

bcmag

oh and by the way iam one of the "knowledgable folk" or i wouldnt even consider offering help to begin with.been there done that.i walk the walk.