jj71787

Hi everyone. This weekend I was driving and evrything ws fine until someone stomped on their brakes so I had to hit mine fast. After that my pedal was going straight to the floor. It would stop but I was to nervous to go any faster then 20 mph.

I put more brake fluid in but still had the problem. Asked my dad since he knows more about cars. He said to check the brake pads first then we will bleed the brakes. He said it doesn't sound like the master cylinder because there are no leaks.

I haven't had a chance to check the brake pads yet because of work, but other than that does anyone else have any ideas why it would do this?

Thanks

16Sammy61

Did you check the brake booster? It is what helps you to brake without so much force. When you apply force to your brake pedal, it uses vacuum pressure to multiply that force so you dont work as hard.

Not sure if it would cause a soft pedal. Since it could be damaged, it wouldnt exert enough force to the master cylinder, and can't pressurize the brake fluid. Then it would be harder to stop your car. However, dont take my word and assume it is broke/damaged. Im no brake expert, just putting in general information.

jj71787

do you mean this

Brake Power Booster | 1999 Chevrolet Camaro 8 Cylinders G 5.7L SFI | AutoZone.com

Is there a way to check if it doesn't work or s it jst replace and hope that's the problem?

16Sammy61

Yes that is the booster. It is located in the engine bay here: http://shbox.com/1/master_cyl.jpg

A quick home test i know of is fairly simple. Run the car a few minutes, then shut it off. Now you can depress the pedal, it should be fairly easy. Then you can continue to push it multiple times, or "pump" it. It should become firmer in the next 2-3 pushes. This will tell you if the booster is airtight.

Like i said, im no expert. I am just trying to chime in and put some general info. there for you. Your brake booster could be 100% functional for all we know, so i would not recommend buying a part just to try and fix it to see if it works. A member with more experience in brakes may put their own input in after myself. You could always take it to nearby shop such one that usually does tires, brakes, and tune ups. If you ask maybe they can check it out for you.

jj71787

Thanks for your help.

The brakes do get tight right now with ther car off. As soon as you turn the car on though the pedal sinks to the floor if pressed.

16Sammy61

Usually a bad master cylinder is what causes soft brake pedals. It doesn't have to leak for it to be damaged. They are not easily repairable, and could be easier to replace than repair if found to be broke. Again, im no expert. You should just get it all checked out ASAP. A car is nothing without brakes, and is also extremely dangerous.

jj71787

I might just have to replace the master cylinder. Just by lookin at it you see nothing wrong but I don't think there are ways to test it. Just have to replace it.

Injuneer

Is the "BRAKE" light illuminated on the dash?

jj71787

it was until I shut the car off and put more fluid in

rngilliland

If your brake fluid was low enough you may have gotten some air in the system. I would bleed the brakes before doing anything else. I'm not familiar with the 99 abs, but in addition to the calipers, the 97 and earlier models have two bleeders on the abs unit that need to be bled.

jj71787

For some reason it was empty but that makes sense. I will bleed them and see what happens.

Thank You

Injuneer

Did you look around to see where you lost the brake fluid? You don't have an empty master unless to totally ignored the brakes for years, or you have a leak.

jj71787

I looked around and couldn't find any signs of a leak.

I put more in and so far it is still full

mrfyzv

in my opinion because of the sharp clicking there that that happened a couple of times I heard about such problems

jj71787

sharp clicking?