Brake pedal goes to the floor on first pump

Tiny
JASON90
  • MEMBER
  • 1969 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,572 MILES
I have replaced everything brake related on this vehicle. The only thing that I haven’t is the hard lines on the body.
What is happening is on the first push of the brake pedal it goes right to the floor. You can then pump it up and it will hold. It will not fall. There is no leak from anyway. I have sent it to a shop that has adjusted the push rod and installed another new master. They are having the same problem. They can not find a leak ether. They performed a pressure test and still no fault found. They are at a point to start throwing parts at it. But I would rather have the problem diagnose then just throwing parts at it. My question is, is there some other ways to try and diagnose or repair this first pump pedal falling?
Thursday, December 10th, 2020 AT 6:19 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
If the pedal goes to the floor the first time you press it and can be pumped up and hold, it sounds like the rear brakes are extremely out of adjustment. I realize that sounds too simple, but that is a common symptom. Have they been checked and adjusted?

This guide can help:

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

Let me know.

Joe

PS: My first car was a 1967 Cougar... Wish I still had it.

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Thursday, December 10th, 2020 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
JASON90
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The shop that has it right has done that.
I’m thinking I might have air trapped in the distribution block. The block is new.
Could I build PSI crack the rear brake out put line from the block hold the pedal down close the line and let the pedal back up. So trying to push and air out of the rear part of the block system?
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 10:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Yes, that is the basic technique used to bleed brakes. Also, they do make a vacuum pump for bleeding brakes that will get any air out. Most people don't own one but often times a parts store will lend one to you.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, December 11th, 2020 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
JASON90
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So got it fixed. Ended up burning the brake lines from the master to the distribution block and that did it.

Thanks for the help.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
JASON90
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  • 4 POSTS
Burping the brake lines.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Glad to hear you got it working. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, December 12th, 2020 AT 10:34 PM

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