What a depressing brake issue.

[cadgear]

Okay, sorry for the godawful pun, but its just something I couldn't stop..ergh, there's another one...

So when I put on my brakes normally (fairly gently; I don't ride them for miles to stop but I don't shove it to the floor either) I get response..and my foot starts sinking to the floor within 10-20 seconds. No fluid loss and no brake fluid anywhere outside the lines. That leaves me thinking master cylinder, but what about it? I don't have ABS, and two or three nights ago I did lock up my brakes on wet ground. Might I have busted up a seal then?

On the other hand, if I pump the brake firmly once or twice then brake normally, I get better response and a longer delay before it sinks to the floor. Anyone out there got some ideas?

[Fyter87]

Its most likely your Master Cylinder than. I had a car that did the same thing. The Master Cylinder went out on me one day. If I pused the brake pedal nothing would happen. I would have to pump it several time before I could acutally stop. I would get it checked out though. You dont want it going out when your driving around. It sucks and I know, lol. Good Luck!!

[dwalmop]

I agree with the master cylinder opinion. If that's true, then it's going to keep getting worse, so I'd probably address the problem soon. You're positive you're not losing any fluid anywhere?

[cadgear]

Very much positive. I sharpie-penned a line where the fluid is at on the resivoir, and all the calipers/pistons look clean and fluid-free. Still hasn't moved from the line.

[richtazz]

I would agree that it's a master cylinder. replace it soon or the sinking feeling you're gonna have is looking at your car wrapped around a tree. And please give us a "brake" on the puns.

[Kooterskkar]

Bad master cylinder. The seals in there eventually wear out and fluid wil leak past them. Get that fixed ASAP. AND DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR!! Have it towed to a shop if you arent doing it yourself.

[cadgear]

I'm planning on doing it myself just as soon as I get a rebuild kit (using a different car, mind you ;P), probably next week. But this seems pretty early, only 65k? Unless the past owner was some kinda stunt driver...hmm..

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by cadgear

I'm planning on doing it myself just as soon as I get a rebuild kit (using a different car, mind you ;P), probably next week. But this seems pretty early, only 65k? Unless the past owner was some kinda stunt driver...hmm..

Parts break,seals leak..shit happens.
It definately sounds like your M/C is leaking internally.
I would highly recommend that you replace the M/C instead of trying to rebuild it..basically for liability issues.
Here at the dealer and at my shop, we DO NOT rebuild brake componants on customers cars...to much liability involved.

[jeffcoslacker]

Sounds like your master is bypassing (leaking internally) I agree, but rebuilts are so cheap, why do it? Just swap resevoirs, bench bleed, and hook up the lines, done. I just install them on the car, fill with fluid and bench bleed on the car with the lines disconnected, then hook 'em up. Just dont bottom out the cylinder, it can damage it. Just about a half pedal stroke is enough.

[cadgear]

Just a thank-you to those who responded. Yup, it was indeed a seal (the forwardmost one), I didn't feel like waiting the two weeks Napa said it'd take to get a rebuild kit so I just bought a reman cylinder. Now she actually STOPS when I ask, and still has enough power to smoke a tire or two (how I don't know..).

Thanks again!

[Don Moler]

The problem is not the Master cylinder...My wife has the same problem and she took the car in to two different garage's and they both said it was the MC and both changed the master cylinder and the car still has the same problem. I still have not found the problem but I was told it may be in the valve on the brake booster. The reason I am on here tonight is to find a solution to the problem and tomorrow I will replace the valve on the booster and if that will fixe it I will post it on here tomorrow. Don Moler

[Kooterskkar]

Originally Posted by cadgear

Just a thank-you to those who responded. Yup, it was indeed a seal (the forwardmost one), I didn't feel like waiting the two weeks Napa said it'd take to get a rebuild kit so I just bought a reman cylinder. Now she actually STOPS when I ask, and still has enough power to smoke a tire or two (how I don't know..).

Thanks again!

YOUR problem may not be the master cylinder, his was.
Yours sounds like a bad proportioning valve.