1998 Olds 88 brake problem

[aquariuscsm]

My gf`s car (1998 Olds 88) is having some kind`ve brake problem. The pedal wants to slowly travel towards the floor when you`re braking. I`ve checked the master and it`s full. What`s weird is that walls of the reservior are jet black. Can`t tell about the fluid (haven`t tried siphoning any out yet,car was too hot),but it`s to the max fill line,and I don`t see any signs of fluid leakage.

She said it started when someone pulled out in front of her this morn and she had to brake really hard.

Any ideas?

 

[xxch4osxx]

When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed?

 

[Astro14]

too long ago...but old fluid won't cause this...sinking to the floor (without a caliper or line leak) is the master cylinder - it's shot, replace it before she finds herself with no brakes at all...

 

[Stu_Rock]

Agreed. The M/C is easy to change in this car.

Because of brake line geometry in this application, you are not required to bleed at the wheel cylinders after an M/C replacement. Since the fluid in this car is so old, do it anyway!

 

[229]

Internal seal leak, replace M/C.

 

[FL_Rob]

Plus complete flush.If its got drums on the rear, you'll do everyone a favor in replacing the rear cylinders as well.

 

[beast3300]

Peel the drums off and look at the wheel cylinders. Trace all the brake lines and see if any are sweating.

 

[Stu_Rock]

Drum brake wheel cylinders ... good call. I forgot that GM used the 1984 Chevy Celebrity drum brakes as late as 2003.

The switch to discs was better late than never.

 

[artificialist]

Most rebuilt master cylinders make you use the same nasty old reservoir and cap with the replacement part. That is why I prefer to buy a 100% new one.

 

[mechtech2]

With a full MC, the problem is most likely the master cyl. Get a new one [or rebuilt].
A good bleed is essential after that.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Ok,I just installed a new master cylinder and getting no brake pressure. When I push the brake pedal I hear a "woosh" sound from behind the firewall. How do I bleed the system to get pressure?

 

[aquariuscsm]

Never mind. It came with a bleeder kit (it pays to read the instructions,haha!). Operation was a success :^) Brakes work perfectly!

 

[FL_Rob]

cool