Squishy Brakes
fidgeysman
03-20-2007, 10:19 AM
I have a 96 Grand Voyager, We had replaced all the brakes and pads and cylinders and was braking fine. Doesn't get used much just to take me and my wheel chair out once in a while. Yesterday my wife and I went to the lab for blood tests and as we left the drive way the brake pedal went to the floor practically. I had her pump the brakes and they came up . But she had to pump them for the whole ride to feel safe. There is no visual signs of leakage and the cylinder is full. Does anybody have an idea of what it could be?
Bear
03-20-2007, 11:10 AM
Sounds like your master cylinder is going out. With engine running, transmission in Park,put your foot on brake pedal and push, and hold, if the pedal slowly sinks to the floor, you have a bad master cylinder.
jsinton
03-20-2007, 12:19 PM
Absolutely, your problem sounds like a bad master cylinder. It might cost you if you have ABS system, I'm not sure.
RIP
03-20-2007, 01:36 PM
Likely the master cylinder but, might be the power brake booster. Start the car, let it run a minute, turn the car off. Now press firmly on the pedal and let up. Should get at least two full applications before it fades. If not, the booster itself is bad or the check valve or vacuum line to it is leaking. Move around the headings on this webpage. It explains the whole brake system:http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake1.htm
fidgeysman
03-21-2007, 09:58 AM
Thank you all, I'll check both of those out. I have to wait till my son has time to look at it but I'll do the testing as you all said.
Most grateful for your responses,
Jeffrey
Most grateful for your responses,
Jeffrey
Cntrysthbst
06-21-2008, 06:20 PM
Rip, brakes don't go to floor at idle, so I check what u wrote and this is what I felt,
started van, minute later turned off, pushed brake and went alittle over half way down, did it a second time and same, then third time could barely push it down like it was getting harder. Sometimes I don't have the assist, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I bought a booster valve at the dealer. Is this a possible cause? This is on the 03 Town and Country. Thanks.
PS. Sometimes when I'm at a stop I will push the petal hard a couple times and by the next stop it works perfect.
started van, minute later turned off, pushed brake and went alittle over half way down, did it a second time and same, then third time could barely push it down like it was getting harder. Sometimes I don't have the assist, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I bought a booster valve at the dealer. Is this a possible cause? This is on the 03 Town and Country. Thanks.
PS. Sometimes when I'm at a stop I will push the petal hard a couple times and by the next stop it works perfect.
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