Brake Problem

[ice_qube]

Ok i been searching and i seen that many peopl have "spongy brake" problem where the brakes are spongy then the more they press it it firms up...my problem is opposit... my brakes seem firmer the first couple times i press them then get spongy. heres an example...jus say your driving and you ease the brakes, release for a sec then press the brakes again...the second time u press the brakes the softer it is and so on n so on untill u hit the floor, can somebody please let me know whats going on?

and now i just noticed after the pedal hits the floor...if i pump the brakes then it starts to get stiffer. so would that be the same problem as everybody else with the regular spongy brake problem?

[Phibes]

The first thing I'd do would be to bleed all the lines thoroughly and go from there.

If it isn't that, then I'd replace the master cylinder, re-bleed the whole system, and see how that goes.

If it isn't that, then I'd replace the booster.

- Phibes

[bill buttermore]

I agree with Phibes, except for the order of business. I would first check the system for leaks. Look on the insides of all of the wheels. Trace all of the lines back to the master cylinder. With a leak you would expect the level of fluid in the master cylinder to drop quickly. If you find no evidence of a leak, the master cylinder is likely to be the problem. There are lots of posts here on changing out the master cylinder and instructions on how to bleed your brakes. Just use the handy "search" feature set to topics.

[tripscarcare95]

I had the same situation a few years back. The abs dash light came on and that was the end of the master cylinder, its not a problem to take lightly since it is the most important part on your car. Good Luck

[red454]

I had an issue with the brakes on my 93 SSEi - bleeding did not seem to work. Traced it to the rear brakes that needed to be adjusted out. Moved them out (adjusted) until they just skimmed the drum. That restored the pedal to normal. Somehow they were in way too far.

[ice_qube]

thanks you guys i greatly appreciate the responses...i checked the rear drum brakes a few days ago and they do just skim the drum. i will check tomorrow again though, and also for leaks of anysort. and i just left orillys to get a price check on how much a master cylinder cost a few minutes ago. so Ill check everything tomorrow and if i get any money in ill get whats necessary. once again thanks cause my car has been sitting for about a month :( ( of course i start it and let it run from time to time though)