Brake Booster replacement causes brake lights to stay on, and brake power is VERY low

[Ultranpthing]

I went to Midas (Ugh) and they replaced my rear brakes and master cylinder, but there was still an issue with my braking which as it turns out was my "Brake Booster".

So I went and bought one and decided to do it myself because there are NO honest mechanics around here. What a pain in the arse it was to replace this thing. Anyway, when I was done I realized that all of my brake lights were on and I could only turn them off by disconnecting my battery. Also, it seems that I have hardly ANY brake pressure. It feels like it pumps but it doesn't really do much to stop the car.

I didn't bleed the brakes and I really don't know how to. Could needin' a bleedin' be the cause for my lack of braking power? If not, then does anyone have any idea what it could be? Also, do you think this has any correlation with the brake lights staying on?

I would appreciate any help. Please. I gotta get the hell outta here! :'(

[i_a_n112784]

The only thing that turns on the lights is the switch at the pedal, meaning that the pedal is sitting too low, which means that you didn't install the booster correctly. There are parts that need to be adjusted to a certain length when installing a booster. I don't have a picture, but that would certainly make it easier to explain. Do you have a manual for the car?

[Ultranpthing]

No, no manual. Not even the "users guide". But yeah, I actually have *NO* braking power now. I guess I'm just going to bring it to a garage, unless you or anyone else has some more ideas?? I tried bleeding the brakes, but whenever I took out the bleeder screw, nothing came out from any of the holes.

Thanks tho!

[i_a_n112784]

What kind of car is it? I know that SOME manuals are online for some hondas. You can check Here for some civic and integra manuals. Master cylinders are easy to replace, but the boosters require some instructions that differ from car to car.

[civickiller]

you gotta bleed the brakes, theres probably air in yoru lines which is causing the no power braking

[Ultranpthing]

It's a 91 Accord EX Coupe. How do I properly bleed the brakes? I was told to take off the wheels, put a hose over each nipple, have someone pump and hold the gas pedal, and then loosen the bleeder screw. Well, that didn't work. Nothing came out of any of the holes.

Any more ideas? Appreciate the help!

[i_a_n112784]

There are a few different ways to bleed brakes.

1. Vacuum bleed. This requires only 1 person, but special tools. Which you probably don't have.

2. Gravity bleed. This is SLOW and doesn't work as well as the other methods. But only requires 1 person. To do this, just make sure that the master cylinder is physically at a higher level than the caliper or wheel cylinder, and crack open the bleeder. Fluid will start to drip out.

3. I forget what the technical name is, but its the one everyone is familiar with. Takes 2 people, one sits in the car, and pushes the pedal to the floor once the second person has opened the bleeder. Once the pedal is on the floor DO NOT let it up until the second person has closed the bleeder. Repeat until air stops coming out and you're content with the pedal feel.

With all of these, don't forget to not let the master cylinder get much below 1/2, or that is the ideal amount.

Bleeding still doesn't sound quite right as the solution for this, but it's worth a try.

[civickiller]

well the first coupel of pumps nothing might not come out because it pushing the air out. what you need to do is while someone is pressing the brakes you need to open and close the valve real fast. dont open it before they push the pedal. and dont let them release the pedal before you close it

[Ultranpthing]

Well, I took what I thought was the easy way out and brought it to a local guy who bled the brakes. Now it seems that I have too MUCH pressure in my brakes. The pedal has a bit of a hard feel to it. Whatever. The car stops, I've decided to settle on that. Anyway, the guy calls me up and says, "Yah, your brake lights are still on. Theres a switch down by the pedal that you have to flip and your brakes will work again."

So I go down there and pick up the car and the brake lights are off...?!? I drive it home and I'm looking everywhere for the "switch" and what I find is a little plug that is out of its' socket. I plug that in, and my brake lights go ON. And STAY ON.

This is getting so frustrating. Like I said in previous posts, there are NO honest (or qualified) mechanics in my area. AT ALL.

Could someone please tell me how to get my brake lights working again? Any help would be appreciated beyond belief!

- Josh