My mom has an 89 oldsmobile (not sure what make) that has 4 wheel disc brakes. She had an incident yesterday that has her worried. She was coming to a stop sign when she pressed the brake pedal it made a "woosh" sound & went to the floor. She was able to stop but she had to put all of her weight on the pedal. Does anyone know what could have caused this? I hate going to a garage unprepared.
Thanks
2007-12-31 04:34:46 · 8 answers · asked by Cheyenne 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The brake lines were replaced a few years ago so it's probably the master cylinder. Not good :-(
2007-12-31 04:48:01 · update #1
If the master cylinder or a line had failed she wouldn't have been able to stop at all. The power booster is vacuum operated and multiplies the force of your foot when you push the pedal down. The "woosh" sound was probably from the power booster diaphragm failing which would make it about ten times as hard to stop the car. One way to check it is to put your foot firmly down on the brake pedal and then start the engine. If the power booster is working properly you will feel the pedal go down slightly when the engine starts. Be very careful if you try driving it to a garage. It's a very dangerous situation with a problem like that. Might be better to have it towed in.
2007-12-31 04:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by mustanger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, i've got heard of this project. It occurs not often. you have a leprechaun caught on your wheel properly. What your gonna could do is get some cans of computer virus spray in case that is nevertheless alive and a spatula. If that is nevertheless alive, spray it till it stops shifting. as quickly because it is not shifting, use the spatula to scrap it off of the wheel properly. based upon city ordinances, you the two could burn it, bury it above the aquifer in a water-resistant field, or have animal administration come out and eliminate it. be careful, an injured leprechaun may be very risky.
2016-12-18 13:28:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
almost sounds like the power brake booster is going bad, have it checked out at the garage, also make sure the master cylinder is full of brake fluid.
2007-12-31 12:21:03 · answer #3 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the brake pedal is connected to the power booster which is connected to the brake master cylinder which is connected to the brake lines which are connected to the brake calipers. the pedal will go to the floor if a brake line broke or caliper broke, both highly unlikely, or if the brake master cylinder is bad. see if u can pump up the brakes. start the car and press on the brake pedal. if it goes to the floor, press on and off the pedal a few times and see if it now holds up top. if it holds, u need a master cylinder. if it does not hold, u may be out of fluid, may still need a master cylinder or u may have a big leak on a line or caliper. look inside all the tires for a wet spot coming from the brake assemblies of each tire. if u see wetness, u have problem leak at that tire. if u have any of these problems and have little or no brakes, it is not safe to drive to the mechanic. good luck
2007-12-31 04:50:51 · answer #4 · answered by chriscarguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CHECK THE BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER, ITS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BY THE FIRE WALL, IF ITS LOW ON FLUID YOU HAVE A LEAK SOMEWHERE, BROKEN LINE, MASTER CYLINDER, WHEEL CALIPER, IF NOT MOST LIKELY THE MASTER CYLINDER GOING BAD,IT CAN GO BAD AND NOT LEAK,IF THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR BEST THING TO DO IS PUMP THE BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY
2007-12-31 04:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by rock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like a master cylinder went bad, very bad.........
How long since your last brake job????
Are you mechanically inclined to do brakes.......if not I suggest Midas....I have had my brakes done on all my cars there for over 25 years and they do outstanding work.....no, I do not work for Midas.....they will give you a lifetime warranty on the pads and shoes if you need them...do not scrimp, if they tell you you need something extra, have them show you what is wrong and get it done.....you dont want to have brakes failing.....that could be fatal.
2007-12-31 04:44:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like either a leak or air in the line check the hoses and get all the brakes bled
or the vacuum assist went out
2007-12-31 04:44:15 · answer #7 · answered by 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR Vspec 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a brake line thats broken their are two front and back check master cylinder for fluid or on the ground for leakage .......be careful fluid eats paint ....
2007-12-31 04:40:47 · answer #8 · answered by monkey wrench 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋