I am pretty well versed in mechanics, but wanted to maybe get some input from you guys. I have a '97 SSEi. When pressing my brake pedal, I have to press pretty hard to get a good grab.

Afew times it has hit the floor and the brake light/alert comes on. I figure I may have a master cylinder problem. But before I go throwing a new one in I thought maybe there may be a problem that is somewhat notorious with my car.

Vacuum lines for power brakes may be the culprit, but where are they????

My pads and rotors are good. It has 117k miles on it. Brake fluid looks dirty, but that is typical for this age.

Anyone?

Mike

I have a 97, but the brake fluid is actually pretty clean. 3 months ago my fronts went out and they were really squeky and loud. 117k miles could be the culprit maybe. IMO that is alot of miles to go on the same pads, think about all the stopping you do in a day, it adds up pretty quickly.

Check for leaks on the calipers, lines or wheel clyinders, if no leaks in those places the master cylinder went bye bye.

i had the same problem replaced the master cylinder and the brake booster

I agree that your Master Cylinder is trying to tell you something. I would also recommend replacing the front rubber brake lines that connect to your front calipers because they must be dry and brittle at this time too. If you replace the Master Cylinder yourself, don't forget to bench bleed the new MC before you install it.

The later generation of Bonneville'* don't have the best master cylinders. I've had to replace it once already in my 93. I'm waiting for the one to go in my 99!

Yea, but the worst part is when your going 55mph and you need to come to a dead halt and guess what.. NO BREAKS!

I replaced my brakes on the rear and it did that till realigned. try checking the springs one of mine broke on the rear and that happened too.

Well I bought a master cylinder and will put it on tonight. Dad will stop by in the morning to help me bleed the lines. Will let you all know if it corrects the problem.

Twister: The car, not the pads, has 117k miles. I have never heard of pads lasting more than 40k or so.

Mike

correct, if you use your ebrake or when your rear shoes wear they it leave more space between your drum and shoes which accounts for more slop in the brake pedal. Although I can say Im about 100% sure its your master cylinder. None the less maintence is an important thing =)