Need Help 2002 Caravan Brake pedal almost goes to floor?

[RP33]

This just started happpening. The brake pedal is going almost to the floor then it gets hard to push. It then takes a lot of foot pressure to stop the van. At the top of the brake pedal nothing happends as far as stopping. There are no brake lights lit on the dash. The fluid is normal. Is there a fuse that could be out somewhere? Any help would be nice. Thank You.

[RIP]

No, there's no fuse. Since you have no brake warning light and apparently no leaks, I'd suspect the power brake vacuum booster has failed or the vacuum supply to it is leaking. Try this:

> Start the engine and let it run a minute
> Stop the engine and apply the brakes several times to bleed the vacuum from the system. Should finish near the floor.
> Depress the brake pedal half way to the floor and while holding it there, start the engine.
> If the booster is working, the brake pedal will move down a little. If it doesn't, the booster is not working.

The vacuum booster is attached to the bulkhead in the engine compartment right in front of the driver. It's round and 8 to 12 inches in diameter. The brake master cylinder (where you checked the fluid level) is attached to it. You can inspect the vacuum hose attached to the booster for leaks and security. There may be a small round check valve in the vacuum line that has gone bad. Other than that, you'll need to replace the booster.

Does your brake light come on when you turn the ignition on, then go out when you start the van? Just means the bulb is good. Whatever you find, have a qualified mechanic look at it asap. Brakes are the one system you can't take chances with.

[RP33]

I did the check on the Vaccumn that you sugested and it passed. When I pushed the pedal 1/2 way down then started the engine the pedal started down like you said it should.

Any other ideas? I am at a loss?

[RP33]

Could it be the master cylender?

[RIP]

Yes, that was my next pick.

[RP33]

Will change it out next week.

[Spit]

Have you tried bleeding the brakes? Brake fluid can attract/absorb moisture if you have "spongy" brakes bleeding is always a good place to start.

Spit

[duke316]

before you replace the master, take vise grips and clamp the rubber brake lines on the left, right and the single hose in the back. If the pedal remains rock hard your master is fine, if it goes to the floor replace the master cylinder. I would check the vehicle for leaks. I would also check to see if the check valve going into the brake booster is faulty.

[jcardinal30]

if u change the master cyld. in this van then u have to get the brakes bleed with scan tool or u will get a intermitent pedel going to the floor