Brake goes all way to the floor and I had to add fluid

Tiny
DONIELLEGINGRAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
The brake goes all way to the floor and I had to add fluid, and I just changed driver side wheel bearing too!
Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 AT 7:02 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
More then likely we have a leak somewhere so we need to find that before you go much further. If you just changed the wheel bearing then we need to start with that side. However, the reason it is going to the floor is because there is air in the line rather then fluid. So we need to find where the leak is. It is possible that the master cylinder is leaking internally so if you don't find any external leaks we will need to test the master cylinder next.

Here is a guide that helps with all this:

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

Thanks
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Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 AT 8:21 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

In the event it is the master cylinder, I attached the procedure for replacing the cylinder and the bleeding process if you have ABS.

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

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

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Roy

Master Cylinder Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the brake fluid level sensor.
2. Disconnect the brake pipes from the master cylinder.

Important: Install a rubber cap or plug to the exposed brake pipe fitting end in order to prevent brake fluid loss and contamination.

3. Plug the open brake pipe fitting ends.
4. Remove the 2 master cylinder mounting nuts.

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5. Remove the master cylinder.
6. Remove the reservoir from the master cylinder if it is to be reused on a replacement master cylinder.

Bleeding with ABS

Automated Bleed Procedure

Bleeding the ABS System
Perform a manual or pressure bleeding procedure. If the desired brake pedal height results are not achieved, perform the automated bleed procedure below.
The procedure cycles the system valves and runs the pump in order to purge the air from the secondary circuits normally closed off during normal base brake operation and bleeding. The automated bleed procedure, is recommended when air ingestion is suspected in the secondary circuits, or when the BPMV has been replaced.

Automated Bleed Procedure

Notice: The Auto Bleed Procedure may be terminated at any time during the process by pressing the exit button. No further Scan Tool prompts pertaining to the Auto Bleed procedure will be given. After exiting the bleed procedure, relieve bleed pressure and disconnect bleed equipment per manufacturers instructions. Failure to properly relieve pressure may result in spilled brake fluid causing damage to components and painted surfaces.

1. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove all four tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Inspect the brake system for leaks and visual damage. Repair or replace as needed.
4. Inspect the battery state of charge.
5. Install a scan tool.
6. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
7. With the scan tool, establish communications with the EBCM. Select Special Functions. Select Automated Bleed from the Special Functions menu.
8. Bleed the base brake system.
9. Follow the scan tool directions until the desired brake pedal height is achieved.
10. If the bleed procedure is aborted, a malfunction exists. Perform the following steps before resuming the bleed procedure:
If a DTC is detected, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List and diagnose the appropriate DTC.
If the brake pedal feels spongy, perform the conventional brake bleed procedure again.

11. When the desired pedal height is achieved, press the brake pedal in order to inspect for firmness.
12. Remove the scan tool.
13. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
14. Inspect the brake fluid level.
15. Road test the vehicle while inspecting that the pedal remains high and firm.
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Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 AT 4:08 AM

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