brake pedal now slowly bottoms out

2000 TOYOTA COROLLA

95,000 MILES • 1.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

RED_GINGER

MEMBER
1 POST

I was in need of new brakes. The disc pads in front were well worn so I changed them. After changing, the brake pedal now slowly bottoms out to the point that I need to pump to get any stopping power. I know that I need to change the shoes in rear. Can the pedal bottom out because of needing new shoes or could it be the master cylinder? I see no leaks and the reservoir is full.

May 14, 2021 at 3:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

Based on what you described, it sounds like the master cylinder is bad. However, when you replaced the brakes, was there any reason you may have opened the hydraulic system for bleeding and air could have gotten into it? If so, we should try bleeding first.

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

Now, if the hydraulics of the system were not opened and you determine it is the master cylinder. here is a link to get you started for replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-brake-master-cylinder

If you look below, the first four pics are the replacement procedures specific to your vehicle. The remaining pics explain how the brake system is bled. I'm adding them in the event you had the hydraulics open.

I hope this helps. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

PS: Worn brake shoes won't cause the brake pedal to slowly fade to the floor.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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May 15, 2021 at 10:30 PM