Shifter not working properly? It seems I have to really put pressure on the brake pedal?

CHRISHGO24

MEMBER
1994 SUBARU LEGACY
AWD
AUTOMATIC
178,000 MILES

I have a brake caliper that needs replacing, it's stuck or broken. Now my brakes are going to floor, almost won't stop. Could this be the issue why the gear changer is not working properly anymore? It seems I have to really put pressure on the brake pedal in order to get the car to go into any gear when this happens, sometimes repeatedly. Is my brake problem causing this? I'm going to get it checked, but need to know if it's related to the brakes, or Modulator Valve or ABS master pump needs replacing? I don't want to be told it needs either of these if it's just my brake caliper needs replacing. I don't have a lot of money to put into this 1994 Subaru Legacy Wagon, AWD.

2 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

From your description it sounds to be more than a caliper.

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Friday, January 30th, 2015 AT 12:10 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

It sounds like the subframe under the dash is broken so the clutch is not being depressed enough but when you push the brake pedal it shores up the framework to help the clutch work better. I would use a flashlight and have a helper push the brakes while you look under the dash to see if there is movement.