Brake Pedal Goes Nearly to Floor?

1999 SATURN SL2

123,000 MILES • 1.9L • AUTOMATIC

DAVIDKRISS

MEMBER
17 POSTS

I was responding to another thread and for some reason it was cut short and the mechanic's last entry was removed, but he had sent me two links to review, this being the primary one.

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

So to pick back up, thank you -- I've reviewed the links and here are my thoughts:

The car (1999 Saturn SL2) has:

No ABS, New master cylinder (which remains full - no leaks), new front brake calipers, rotors, and pads, new back drums and shoes, new brake fluid bled through this weekend, good brake lines with no cracks.

All brake pads and shoes have even wear from the little I've driven and actuate properly when on a lift with the tires off.

I'm at a loss other than a possible bad drum cylinder, but I don't see any leaking brake fluid anywhere. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Jul 21, 2026 at 4:42 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

If the rear wheel cylinder does not have any leaks they are probably okay. Can you set the parking brake to see if it helps the pedal? Also, you will have a low pedal if the calipers or pads are not correctly mounted. If the parking brake helps I would recheck the rear shoe adjustment. Here is the guide link again for clearity.

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

You still may have air in the system as well. Also, can I ask if the brake bleeder on the calipers is at the top of the caliper, sometimes they get installed on the wrong side. Plus make sure the brake flex line is not twisted. Let me know.

Jul 21, 2026 at 5:25 PM

DAVIDKRISS

MEMBER
17 POSTS

Thanks --

I set the parking brake and it didn't help with the pedal.

The brake bleeders are at the top of the calipers and the brake flex line looks good - no twisting.

I bled the brakes this past weekend by pumping the pedal and when the car is off, the brake pedal builds up good resistance. When I start the car, that's when it drops down 3/4 of the way to the floor before engaging.

I have a pressurized brake fluid bleeder - I'll use it to bleed the brakes completely on Friday and see if that makes a difference. I'll also double check the shoe adjustment on the drums to make sure they're set properly.

I'm at a loss as to the cause because it seems like I've ruled out the most common causes. What else could it be?

Jul 21, 2026 at 9:47 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

Do me a favor and open the bleeder one at a time to see if any air comes out of a particular caliper or wheel cylinder. You don't need to press on the pedal. Let me know

Jul 22, 2026 at 2:55 PM

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