Brake pedal goes to floor after replacing the brakes

FRANK COLLINS99

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

I replaced front brake pads on the car and I put them back on and I bled the brakes and I get fluid out of the passenger side. I do not get any out the driver side. When driving it goes to the floor and I have to pick it back up and hit it and then the brakes work. I do not get any fluid out of the driver side at all back or front, but I get fluid on passenger side front and back. When I bleed the front driver it goes to the floor and then when I bleed it again it keeps going to the floor. It is full on fluid and I am not loosing any fluid. Calibers look good when I replaced brake pads. Need help.

6 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning.

I would remove the bleeder screw and see if fluid comes out. It may be a clogged bleeder screw. If not then you have a pressure issue from the master cylinder. A seal may have ripped internally not allowing pressure build up internally.

Roy

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

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

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Monday, July 16th, 2018 AT 6:18 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Did you bench bleed the master cylinder before installing it?

I would pressure bleed it. You can rent one at a parts store.

Roy

Note: Pressure bleeding equipment must be of the diaphragm type. It must have a rubber diaphragm between the air supply and the brake fluid to prevent air, moisture, oil and other contaminants from entering the hydraulic system.

1. Install J 35589 to the master cylinder.
2. Charge J 29532 to 140-172 kPa (20-25 psi).
3. Connect line to J 35589 and open line valve.
4. Raise vehicle and suitably support.
5. If it is necessary to bleed all of the calipers/cylinders, the following sequence should be followed:
Right rear
Left rear
Right front
Left front
6. Place a proper size box end wrench (or J 21472) over the caliper/cylinder bleeder valve.
7. Attach a clear tube over the bleeder screw. Submerge the other end of the tube in a clear container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
8. Open the bleeder screw at least 3/4 of a turn and allow flow to continue until no air is seen in the fluid.
9. Close the bleeder screw. Tighten Rear bleeder screws to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.) And Front bleeder screws to 13 Nm (115 inch lbs.)
10. Repeat Steps 6 through 9 until all calipers/cylinders have been bled.
11. Lower vehicle.
12. Check the brake pedal for "sponginess." Repeat entire bleeding procedure to correct either of these two conditions.
13. Remove J 35589 and J 29532.
14. Fill the master cylinder to the proper level.

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