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View Full Version : Inconsistent brake feel



danci1973
05-13-2008, 02:06 AM
I was noticing something weird about my brakes, but couldn't really put my finger on it till recently when I was more attentive to the issue...

It doesn't feel like 'air it he lines' where you have mushy brake pedal until you pump it a couple of times...

No, it's the opposite - sometimes when I slowly cruise to the stop light (for example) and brake a little I suddenly feel the brake pedal become lighter, travels a little further and increases the brake force - without me applying more pressure.

I've noticed the same thing when already stopped - I hold the brake and then suddenly the pedal becomes lighter and gives in a little more - again with me resting the foot on the pedal with constant force...

At first I thought it was me and was unknowingly increasing the force, but recently I was paying attention the it and found out it wasn't me - it's actually happening.

I'm guessing it's the brake booster, but what could cause such behavior?

D.

DLC
05-13-2008, 04:31 PM
Leaking seals in the booster could cause this. Fluid can leak around the seals and lower the amount of hydraulic pressure.

I had a leaking master cylinder on my last car that did this, but I just worked around it. I would recommend getting it looked at on the brakes, that they're more important to safety.