I went to pull my car out of the garage for the spring time, and I have no brakes. There's little resistance when I press the pedal, and it just goes to the floor. Car does stop from very low speed with the pedal to the floor (does not slow until the pedal is on the floor, then abrupt stop). They were fine when I put it away, and there's no leaks on the garage floor. A new master cylinder was installed about 2 years ago. Pumping the pedal does nothing. This is an 87 (pre-anti lock) car. Where should I begin to look for troubleshooting? Thanks guys

 

Assuming you have no leaks and the system is full of fluid then the only thing it could be is the master cylinder.

I know you said it was replaced 2 years ago but the seals can go bad from sitting too long or dirt/contamination in the fluid.

The pedal is going to the floor because the seals are bad in the master cylinder and it is unable to generate the pressure needed for braking.

I have had 'newish" master cylinders go bad. It happens.

Mark

 

I agree that the m/cylinder is the likely culprit....but the entire system deserves annual inspection just on general principles.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug. My mechanic looks it over every spring just to be on the safe side. The P/O went through and did new pads/rotors all around and a new master, and the front calipers were also replaced as one was leaking. Was hoping for no problems this soon! Oh well. Looks like I'll be taking it on a trailer this time though.

Are the rebuild kits any good, or should I just replace it- assuming that's the problem? Is it a difficult job for a novice?

 

Is there any fluid in the master cylinder? If so I agree with master cylinder failing. If it's empty it could leaking into the brake booster. If it was anything else there would be fluid on the ground.

 

It looks pretty empty to me, and since there's none on the ground, I'm thinking you're right about it leaking into the brake booster.

What does that indicate about the M/C?

 

If fluid is leaking into the booster then the leak originates from a seal in the MC. You need to replace it.

Mark

 

Check the vacuum hose from the booster to rigid line and see if it's oily. If so its a good indication of m/c failure. Then rebuild the master cylinder and I would clean the check valve from the rigid line to the engine. Oil might make it stick.

 

Any brake fluid leaking into the booster will then be sucked into the engine and will lay down a smoke screen from the exhaust the navy would be proud of.

 

Posted in error, sorry
Greg