1989 Acura Legend brakes sort of working.

NEENJAKEELUR

MEMBER
1989 ACURA LEGEND
6 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

When I am slowing down the breaks start to give out a little bit and then when I stop completely I have to use all my effort to put the pedal to the floor to keep the car from rolling, check the master cylinder and its full.I dont think the pads are bad as it stops most of the time, just not at speeds about 25 or so. Im thinking I need to bleed the system and maybe theres air in it. Any help?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

POWER BRAKE UNIT TESTING
Functional Test
Start engine. Turn ignition off. Depress brake pedal several times. Depress pedal hard and hold pressure for 15 seconds. If pedal sinks, master cylinder, brake line or caliper piston is faulty.
Start engine with pedal depressed. If pedal sinks slightly, vacuum unit is working properly. If pedal height does not vary, booster or check valve is faulty.
Leak Test
Depress brake pedal with engine running. Turn ignition off. If pedal height does not vary while depressed for 30 seconds, vacuum booster is okay. If pedal rises, vacuum booster is leaking.
With engine stopped, depress brake pedal several times using normal pressure. Pedal should be low when first depressed. On consecutive applications, pedal height should gradually rise. If pedal height does not vary, check power brake booster check valve.
Check Valve Test
Disconnect power brake unit vacuum hose at booster. Start engine and allow engine to idle. Ensure vacuum is available at booster end of hose. If vacuum is not available, vacuum source or check valve is faulty. Repair vacuum source or replace check valve and retest.