[cantthinkof1]

I have a 1992 Ciera S and until recently the brakes worked fine. About 3 months ago I decided to replace the rear brakes because the brake pedal was almost down to floor. After the rear brakes were replaced, only the shoes were replaced as the drums were OK and machined properly, the pedal was back up again and stopping was normal. Soon after, about a month later, the brake system started showing problems.

Everytime I would stop and then release the brake pedal I would get a "clunk", some kind of a clamping noise, from the rear left brake. On top of this problem, the brake pedal is now more down when you press it than it was after I replaced the rear brakes. A relative of mine told me I may need to replace the master cylinder. I, on the other hand, think that something else could be the problem, such as defective shoes or maybe something got loose. Either way the car stops but not as optimal as it should.

I checked the brake fluid and it's OK. The mechanic filled it up all the way to the top when he did the rear brakes. The fluid level right now is almost at the top and there doesn't appear to be a leak in the brake line.

Does anyone know what's going on? What are the symptoms of the master cylinder not working? I would think such a simple thing would either work or won't work.