NEVER Fix A Sinking Brake Pedal Until Watching This!

[@Paulkersey5921]

Thank you sir, you helped me save so much ,$47 for the master cylinder and brake fluid. Job was done by myself with a 2x4. Test drove it and now back in business.

[@llroman7823]

Did you have to end up bleeding the brakes with this method?

[@Paulkersey5921]

@@llroman7823 yes. it worked ,I think I did it five times just to be sure.(with the 2x4)

[@davidhardcore704]

$47 ? Man where you get it for that cheap from ? It’s like $250 from what I’ve seen.

[@Paulkersey5921]

eBay, also it was for an 86 caravan

[@Jayjay42023]

I extremely like you saying if you don't have any brake fluid loss because most people don't really explain and for people like myself I figured if I have a leak somewhere I would lose fluid.

[@ralphwaters8905]

I've rebuilt a number of master cylinders over the years and had no problems with them lasting. However, you DO have to carefully inspect the bore for any signs of corrosion pitting or localized wear before starting a rebuild. Given how many of us buy our parts online before we fully understand the repair, ordering a new M/C is the safest way to go. If any air gets into the disconnected lines, you will have to do a full bleed on the entire system and push those bubbles clear thru a wheel cylinder or caliper instead of just the local M/C as shown.

[@JeredtheShy]

You also run into problems with a vehicle being too old for OEM parts to be available, (anything over 10 years) so, while I support that idea, sometimes you just have to buy the best aftermarket part you can afford and hope for the best.

[@daveyjones1970]

So pedal goes down so you change the brake master cylinder and not try to bleed the brakes first ?

[@TempoDrift1480]

Sounds good to me?

[@sususmongus2514]

i guess this is assuming you did that already

[@rafaelramos2731]

God bless u my man. I love your clear and thorough explanations to give. Can I do this same procedure to my rav4 2005 because I have the SAME symptom u portray on this video. Thank u 4 ur answer.

[@loneranger1536]

Paul I like watching your repair videos. You make it look so easy. And you explain what you're doing as your doing it. Thank you so much. It helps me a lot. God bless you.

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊

[@user-ml8dm9fz6l]

@@proclaimliberty2000 can you help people who might have this question: i see listed online that some brake master cylinders says (without ABS), but are not listed for sale (with ABS). does this mean that people should buy a part genuine OEM even if it looks the exact same as an aftermarket part. is the ABS part an additional wiring harness connection, or is it included inside the metal part of the master cylinder? [i realize that some people will be complete beginners, not diy auto enthusiasts, but want to try fixing it themselves, since they have access to KZbin]

[@thegospelenthusiast4610]

I love your thorough my friend. Keep it coming!

[@proclaimliberty2000]

The Wakeup 👍😊

[@richmac918]

I had a situation recently on my 94 Explorer. Brakes worked fine until it would get really cold out and then the pedal would suddenly go to the floor. I could pump the brakes rapidly and get a partial pedal but only for a few seconds and then back to the floor. Thought at first it must be a broken brake line but couldn't find any leaks and the reservoir level wasn't dropping. Replaced the master cylinder and the problem went away. I'm guessing that the o-rings in the master cylinder were worn and when it got really cold they contracted just enough where they couldn't stop the fluid from getting by them.

[@proclaimliberty2000]

Rich MAC Yup! Internal expansion contraction leak due to changes in temperature.

[@raulfernandez9111]

These are the exact same symptoms I have in a Cadillac SRX.

[@llroman7823]

Did you end up having to bleed all the wheels after doing this method? Thanks.

[@richmac918]

@@llroman7823 I didn't because I was lazy, didn't feel like doing it and hoped that it wouldn't need it. I was wrong (pretty much knew I was going to be) and got uneven braking so I had to bleed them. Doesn't usually pay to do things the lazy ass way but thought I might get lucky.

[@Mac-i7]

What is the issue with replacing the bad seals in the master cylinder?

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Very nice, someone that knew nothing about servicing a master cylinder could easily follow this guide!

[@to-tt7fc]

Great video. I have just replaced the master cylinder on my Honda and bleed all the brakes. The brake pedal feels firm. However, when I turned on the engine, it became so spongy and too soft sinking to the floor. What happens ? I bled each brake by pumping it 7 or 8 times so lots of fluid came out. I did not fill the master cylinder and pumped out the air because it took me hours to connect the brake lines to it and the fluid kept coming that way after many refill of the reservoir. I suppose it just take more bleeding to push out the air in the master cylinder but it suppose to work by now after bleeding more than 1 litter of brake fluid. Like I said, the brake pedal becomes spongy and sink to the floor when engine turned on. Strange. Any help is appreciated. Many thanks.

[@MrDreamcathcher]

You might have a vacuum leak. There might be a gasket somewhere

[@auginater4200]

Did you ever solve your problem?

[@heatherboot79]

Did u try to pull ABS fuse? If so, ABS module is the problem. Although it's rare, it is possible

[@TheWwong]

Well done, sir. Now would be a good time to bleed all the brakes to refresh the wheel cylinders with new fluid.

[@jakestone6793]

Kind of a stupid question so I apologize ahead of time, but instead of replacing the master cylinder, isn't it possible there just air in there in the first place? And if so is there a way to simply just bleed the master cylinder itself before replacing it? Example how come doing the foot to the floor with the cap off to burp it so to speak, and put the cap back on and release the brake pedal. Is that similar? Or is that just flat-out stupid? I don't know, just flat-out asking

[@koreymayo8884]

Sinking brake pedal can also happen if brake booster pushrod is not adjusted properly and can also happen if rear drum brakes aren't adjusted properly

[@ghost2coast296]

So, say SWIM was a bonehead and drove 10 miles at roughly 40 mph with his parking brake on, and wore the rear drum brake shoes down, this could cause sinking brakes? Why are the rear brakes engaging so far ahead of the front brakes?

[@koreymayo8884]

@@ghost2coast296 I just recently adjusted my brake booster pushrod to fix a low brake pedal after having a new brake booster installed by a mechanic that didnt adjust it before installing. Guess I should've installed it myself, but then I noticed my rear brakes were super loose so I adjusted them tighter which also made the emergency brake handle much tighter, but no change in the brake pedal from the rear drum brakes. I was just going by what I had read, but seems like the rear brakes maybe actually don't affect the brake pedal after all. If you have a sinking brake pedal you probably have a failing master cylinder unless your brake fluid was bled improperly and air was left in the lines.

[@ghost2coast296]

@@koreymayo8884 thanks for the insight. Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend lmao.

[@koreymayo8884]

@@ghost2coast296 lol make sure you also check the vacuum hose going to your brake booster for any leaks and check the one way check valve to make sure it's working properly.

[@zfunk9]

Sinking pedal or a low pedal? I have VW and have sinking pedal, live data shows about 50 bars of pressure when I hit the brakes (pedal goes half way down) then slowly over the next few seconds the pedal drops to the floor as pressure builds up to 120 bars. Once to the floor, the pressure remains at 120 bars until I release the pedal.

[@ratipati2007]

Do the bench bleeding first instead of bleeding after mounting.

[@RusHnRelaX]

Please respond... so I'm wondering if I run a tube/hose with 1 end connected to the bleeder screw on the caliper & the other end pushed inside the brake fluid reservoir & pump the brake pedal until theres only fluid running through the loop while the car is running & repeat this on each caliper will I have successfully bled the entire brake system? I'm also INCLUDING the ABS system, the master cylinder, brake booster all the brake lines etc in that question. Also if there was a lot of air in the ABS system would it cause the reservoir to empty itself? I don't see any visible leakage or fluid on the ground but yet the reservoir gradually empties over a long period of time. Any advice will be much appreciated and thank you in advance... P.s. Idk if it helps or changes anything but car in question is: >> 1997 Toyota avalon xls v6 engine type: 1mz-fe, front & rear disc brakes

[@sirenswhispering]

Hi, I installed a new JEGS brake booster and master cylinder in my 1977 Impala, but I have faced a problem. The brake performs well except sometimes when I push the brake, I lose it and feel the pedal stiffness . Why does this happen?

[@scottwebber652]

I just had my brakes replaced n new fluid but the rear doesn’t work right as indicated by looking at the rotors. Pedal spongy to halfway or so. There’s air somewhere n can’t get it out. What’s ur fix ?

[@savedbygrace4535]

Strait forward n easy to understand! Thanks

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊

[@jstephensoneyeOpen]

My 2005 Toyota matrix brakes are doing something strange... Just recently bought it... taking it on test run before trying to get it smogged for about 45 miles. Most of the time traveling and stopping the breaks stop on a dime stiff like it's sapos to be... But a couple of stops the breaks went to the floor! Almost couldn't get it to stop! The question is, what is it? If the master cylinder is bad ... Why does it work most of the time???

[@nickfisher2250]

Same problem in 2000 Chevrolet Silverado been to 2 shops and they can't ever recreate it but i can easily.

[@JohnJohnson-bd3wq]

Maybe you can help me out I have an 03 Ford F150 lxt and it feels like passenger side brake is sticky replace calipers rotors and brake hoses but still get like a little pulsate feels like passenger side could it be my master cylinder pump no leaks

[@juanfelicie1752]

so just to get things clear, if your break fluid is low , this can cause your break pedal to go all the way down? is this what your saying?

[@PandoraPX4B]

You should also cover sinking brakes pedals due to vehicles with faulty ABS pumps.

[@PandoraPX4B]

@red neck Vincent I started with the master cylinder. No go. Then I found out the pedal sinking to the floor was due to a leaky valve within the ABS pump. I went through three used pumps before I received one that worked. No more sinking pedal.

[@michellegodden1044]

@PandoraPX4B currently have this issue at mo, new master and new servo fitted now looking at abs pump as wasn't sure as no codes or warning light appear

[@stef2797]

Dude, i Found the problem, to my predicament and it was to do with abs sensors on wheels not working correctly and causing air pockets in abs system, was a case of taking off sensors cleaning off rust that had acumulated behind them and putting them back on, by the way the abs warning light was not illuminating even though there was a problem with it and the light did show as on, on self test when ignition was turned on...anyway after they were put back on and system bled there were no problem with brake pedal sinking, so you video could be right for some cars but a waste of time and money for others...replace is not always the answer, as cars used to be easier to fix before all the bells and whistles were added

[@47preacher48]

Interesting! I have a Toyota Sienna '06. Had the drums changed, I had changed the front discs a couple of months earlier, and when the shoes were changed everything seemed ok. However, after driving the van approximately 18-20 miles mostly through neighborhoods with lots of braking the brakes start to 'get soft' and sink to the floor with poor, almost non-existent braking. ABS light does not come on and I've had a mechanic put a scanner on it showed nothing. Also, had the master cylinder changed, twice. The mechanic said that hard braking on a wet road (with no traffic) so the ABS would go through its process may get the air out. It works for a short time and then goes back to 'soft' peddle. Not sure where the sensors are but I'm going to try that. Thanks for the suggestion. Any further suggestions are appreciated. Wonder if anyone else has seen this problem. Mechanics are stumped.

[@FW190D9]

Thanks for making the video Sir

[@bluegill2030]

I have a sinking pedal that does work if I pump it 2-3 times first. I replaced the calipers, master cylinder and booster already and bled the system countless times. What could be the cause??? I’m lost on this, 04 Xterra 4x4

[@rickyy8236]

did you ever find the problem out?

[@bluegill2030]

@@rickyy8236 yes it had air in the lines still. Took it to the dealership and they bled it with a scan tool apparently and it fixed it

[@wmd40]

Good video but even if there's no leaks it could still have air in it from overheating the brakes. It causes the fluid to release gases. I didn't hear you say that but I think this is what happened to me. Going down huge hills on dirt roads really does a number on your car 😅

[@mr.sanford8588]

Any way to solve that ?

[@wmd40]

@@mr.sanford8588 you have to bleed the brakes using a brake line pump. I'm not sure if that's what the tool is called, but it's not that complicated. You basically hook this thing up to the brake line stems, one at a time... They are behind each wheel usually. And then someone pumps the brakes which pushes the fluid through and therefore also pushes the bubbles out. Might have to add more fluid after the process is done on all the stems. There's lots of videos on yt. Or just go to a mechanic and ask them to bleed the brakes.

[@weskirkland5850]

@@mr.sanford8588 Use your trans and downshift.

[@onlygaming69]

Can i try just bleeding the master before i replace it if thats the problem?

[@Usef320]

what if my pedal doesnt sink but it just isnt strong? like my brakes are nice and new but I have to use some force to get my car to a stop

[@punukainga7604]

Hi can I bleed the air out on the rear caliber bleeding screw?

[@chintanagrawal007]

What if the abs has a leak? My break padel goes down sometimes while running and gets back to normal within seconds

[@rafaelramos2731]

I have a rave4 2005 with abs brake system. Can I do this same procedure?

[@craigmeyers9137]

What iff you replce rotors, calibers, brakes and brake booster and master cylinder, but still can not bring the break pedal up to a solid pedal? No leaks anywhere. My 1997 dodge ram 4x4 with abs has squishy pedal and can not bring the brake pedal up to a solid pedal..

[@paulmcdowell6886]

I have a 1997 4×4 Ram and the pedal went to the floor today and wouldn't stop the truck, I hit the peddle a bunch of times and it came back and stopped the truck but now I have a hiss in the truck down next to the Brake pedal but its Stopping Is that a Bad Brake Booster

[@craigmeyers9137]

@@paulmcdowell6886 sounds like a brake booster seal leaking. It's an easy job to replace, but it does consist of some time to remove it, and replace it. Then bleeding the brakes afterwards.

[@pk-fb2yr]

Hey I just learned something new today . Thank you.

[@jayizzoinfinity9941]

Oh so its attached to the brake resivior. I was thinking i had to go dive deep in there. Thank you man

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊

[@albertptran]

This video saved me time and money, brakes working again

[@frankbenevides8991]

what make an model is this vehicle your working on?

[@andreuys3578]

i cant seem to remove master cylinder nuts that attaches it to the brake booster as they are spinning

[@josephcoipel7073]

Very interesting video. I have a problem with my breaks. The pedal goes down slowly. I have no licks. I changed the master cylinder, and the same thing, please, how can i solve this problem? It's a toyota hiace 2001 model.

[@Who_lee_o]

i had a leak on the back drum brake of my silverado the fluid messed up the paint of my rim each rim is $800 im so mad why they make brake fluid so corrosive

[@othman123ish]

Do you bleed the master cylinder with the engine on or off ? Thanks

[@punukainga7604]

One of the best video, straight forward to the point. Thanks man

[@gijs_k3737]

My garage has replaced the master cylinder twice now, didn't fix it. They also replaced the abs-pump twice with another second hand one. Didn't work either. Now they are going to replace the brake booster to see if that fixes the issue. It simply just doesn't seem realistic that 2 second hand abs-pumps have the same problem as the original one, especially since they both came with limited warranty.

[@Whitedragonvipservice]

I have 2011 Nissan Murano I change the master brake cylinder. Still the brake get hard but when start the car the brake get loose and goes back to the floor again so I did bleed all the wheels still the same what should I do ?

[@garyarms9647]

Thanks Paul. I really appreciate you and all you do. GOD bless!!!

[@Levonsiio]

I need help, please someone with knowledge help me out.. Here's the issue im having... I have a 2008 jeep SRT8 6.1L ..When Gently applying the brakes the pedal falls all the way to the floor causing a very poor stoppage... But, let's say if I quickly apply the brakes meaning pressing it fast and hard, the brakes work just fine and car stops right away.... I don't understand the Issue... I toke it to the braking mechanic, made them bleed out all the four sides with new fluid 2 times and the problem still accrues... Any idea?

[@erents1]

Good stuff, exactly what I needed to know.Thanks!

[@AL_EVOz]

Thanks for the information! was really helpful!

[@masonwestling6406]

NO NO NO!!! ALWAYS BENCH BLEED THE MASTERCYLINDER BEFORE INSTALL. If it is sloped up hill from firewall, you will NOT be able to bleed all air out!!!!!

[@bgiddy4440]

Finally a simple answer! Thank you

[@goochfitness26]

So I replaced the right caliper on my Chevy cobalt and we did everything like the first one. I did everything the way I was shown. By other videos I had seen

[@robertomendoza7296]

If you changed it on one side you MUST change it on both sides, for example: Both front or both rear

[@goochfitness26]

@@robertomendoza7296 we were changing it on both sides. We were putting the left one on and we were having issues. I eventually got it. Sold that car not to long ago

[@jamsgames8742]

mine only sinks sometimes like 1 in 50 times. and solutions?

[@andrewallen8764]

That's an excellent video...wasn't looking for that specially but excellent video... Hey, I changed the rear shoes and accidentally hit the rear cllylinder. The pedal goes to the floor. Do I just need to bleed that cylinder or go on bleed them all?

[@MrCarlitosway713]

Ok so what if I changed the master cylinder and it still doesn't tighten up the brake pedal and I have to pump a couple of times for the vehicle to stop?

[@llroman7823]

Is it safe to turn car key half way on in order to be able to move car seat forward with this process? Thanks!

[@proclaimliberty2000]

Yes

[@tonsgarage3358]

I experienced the same thing when draining the brake fluid on the Dodge journey.

[@kkampy4052]

The MC I just bought came with tubing and fittings to do a bench bleed.

[@PsychoSainten]

Just going to comment this

[@livenfree]

If it's a Ford edge, this can happen due to the ABS actuator getting stuck slamming on the brakes a few times to kick in the ABS resets it there are videos about it

[@kjarby69]

Excellent video!

[@aaronsemeniuk]

I have a peculiar problem with my brand new F150 (2022). When I pump the pedal with engine off, it does not harden at all and I can still hear the electronic brake booster operating. I have no idea if this is normal. I have never owned a vehicle where the pedal didn't stiffen up while pumping with engine off. However, when driving the brakes work fine...

[@proclaimliberty2000]

That is completely normal.

[@arliepostrero2419]

Thank you very much big help for me stay safe.

[@markalan4026]

I have a sinking brake pedal after replacing the rear driver side caliper, I attempted to bleed the brakes several times, but it's still doing it. The front brakes work good, but it seems the rear brakes are not working.

[@AjayPal-mc2hl]

I am facing issue with my new car , for 1,2 seconds I feel brake paddle become free and car is not stopping , it happened 4 times. Workshop said there is nothing wrong and they are not getting this intermittent issue. So somehow they are now replacing master cylinder, is it ok ?

[@DekGT5mad]

That sounds like either the proportioning valve or secondary piston in the master cylinder has failed. The reason the brakes still sort of work after a "free run" is that when you get down far enough the pressure from the primary piston builds up enough to activate both front and rear brakes, so yes it is the master cylinder

[@AjayPal-mc2hl]

@@DekGT5mad You are correct sir , Hyundai did admit Master Cylinder failure . Sine this is life threatening as a compensation and my car was only 6 months old , they replace the car at the end.

[@justice8563]

How much does this usually cost at a garage?

[@JoseMartinez-rp4yh]

Excellent right to the point vudeo..!!

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊

[@jcbillones8135]

also check the proportioning valve if theres leaks

[@TimHaunFishing]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@gregmccarter2176]

My 99 chevy express 1500, the brake line was leaking...the master cill went dry...bled the brakes a few times...had a good solid peddle, engine off...went almost to the floor engine running. Im replacing master

[@krekfouchet5572]

Does the engine need to be running while I’m doing this

[@proclaimliberty2000]

No

[@krekfouchet5572]

Thank you

[@proclaimliberty2000]

@@krekfouchet5572 👍😊

[@angelf9800]

Can a bad break booster cause this too.

[@stef2797]

It can but if you get someone to ram the peddle and listen for air escaping and you hear nothing check my previous posts

[@kirkjambazian2365]

Im wondering if i remove a front and rear caliper after installing new master and squeeze down positions with channel locks, perhaps a way to do it solo,and eliminating Air that never made it too far down the lines ? Any snafoos in my Theory? Lol

[@richarda996]

Use a one way valve and hose.

[@kuldipdhak7972]

Very good video thanks

[@Just-chil-c2t]

Excellent 👌

[@insanelywicked873]

"don't use remanufactured because they don't last" Says the people replacing the OEM when it goes bad

[@wilsont1010]

The brake is not airy when the vehicle is at rest but super spongy when it's running. Despite that it sinks all the way down, it actually works super well and the grip sets in just right in the middle. It seems to me that this does not match with the description of this video. I wonder if it is the master cylinder issue, or something else, but what can it be? Sinking brake but grip well, what causes this?

[@stef2797]

Check my posts near top of page especially if your car has ABS and your peddle is solid till you start the engine, then it slowly sinks to the floor.

[@garyeckel1656]

What if its not the Master Cyld its the ABS Valves? got a fix for bleeding them?

[@hoomalimali6334]

Thank you!

[@luvlylady55]

I had new brake pads put on..and when i drove it..the pedal went down..not all the way to the floor..it did stop the car. But I feel very anxious driving lilke this..what would be the problem if it does this??

[@dumbeezy5480]

maybe needs more fluid or there’s fluid in the system and needs to be bled.

[@Pinch3charlit0]

My pedal sinks down to the floor board, took it to the mechanics and they said it’s a bad brake booster ? Is this correct or no?

[@proclaimliberty2000]

Yes it can be.

[@biglove1941]

i have long travel on Camry brake pedal. Mechanic told me I need new booster. Wouldn't pedal be hard?

[@DekGT5mad]

100% correct!

[@biglove1941]

@@DekGT5mad Juat for an update..i flushed the greenish brake fluid totalky out including abs module..had tons of air..rear shoes a mile off drum..tightened em up..now perfect brakes again.

[@d1strappazon]

You did not mention that you Must bench bleed the new master cylinder before installation.

[@armoricain]

He bled the master cylinder on the car.

[@MirsadIsmani]

Best video ever about brakes

[@rogerjoseph2532]

thanks so much and God bless you too bud.

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊

[@LygerTheCLaw]

i dont think you can even buy rebuild kits for anything except calipers anymore. i used to rebuild my own clutch and brake masters but the kits have become obsolete from most big box store sellers and even stores like rock auto.

[@ajatashatru4198]

My brake pedal sometimes sinks and sometimes it stays alright. Can someone tell me what the problem might be?

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Hah... that’s exactly what I’m doing right now! Good info.... thanks!!!

[@proclaimliberty2000]

Pete Stanhope 👍😂

[@drewdowncutomz4792]

I have a honda civic 93 swapped it with a new master cylinder and new brakes all around , swapp booster with a used one but still the same thing, I bleed the lines 3 times and also swapped the valve by the bosster but nothing?? I'm stuck

[@e.r.videography6209]

Same here bro! Did you figure it out?

[@drewdowncutomz4792]

@@e.r.videography6209 no I ended up selling the car to work on another project

[@BrandonJagger]

i almost thought this was Redd from that 70 show haha but very good video sir very well informed

[@mrvang8077]

So there's really no way to fix the brake pedal so it does not go all the way to the floor when depressing the brake pedal besides having to replace such a good brake master?

[@markbailey6051]

You can bleed the cylinder on the bench before installing.

[@proclaimliberty2000]

That’s true! 👍😊

[@DekGT5mad]

Not bad, though you missed replacing the O-ring between the booster & master cylinder!

[@RyanDIY89]

What if you have a new brake booster, a new master cylinder, new brakes, new rotors and no fluid leak? What could be the issue there?

[@willbook5514]

I’m trying to figure out the same thing

[@5300trilla]

Air

[@shanecooper1137]

I saw one person on here say fixing abs censor fixed the problem after doing all the same replacements as you did.

[@Schlageter325]

This guy is badass

[@nikkoBcool]

Thanks scotty

[@nourizakaria642]

How do you know its not just air in the system?

[@thaddeusholiday8207]

That’s what I was thinking 🤔

[@jamesbrannigan5501]

Unless something leaking then the air not get in.

[@garyb8186]

I have brake pedal, when i turn the key to start the car the brake pedal goes to the floor, the master cylinder is full of fulid. 92 tempo....

[@Swagnandez]

Thank you

[@proclaimliberty2000]

Ramon Hernandez 👍😊

[@karstenmasinick5616]

So it's pretty easy to do on a 93 ford f150?

[@belowfray5251]

Did ya fix it?

[@Viper34TTV]

@@belowfray5251 I paid someone to do it lol

[@belowfray5251]

I wish I could have helped you. Sorry. I just ran across that video.

[@Al-rx1vs]

Sometimes break pedal not working after pumping it's working kindly advise how to check and Repair this problem

[@tkrdg7885]

Good job

[@proclaimliberty2000]

👍😊