Have to pump the brake pedal six or seven times to get the brakes to work

2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM

186,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC

MARQUIS BARRETT

MEMBER
1 POST

My brakes quit working. But they start to work if I pump them like six or seven times. But as soon as I let off again they quit working again. Before they quit working, they would work okay, but I would have to push my peddle to the floor almost. Could it be the brakes line?

Jan 9, 2017 at 7:05 PM

SQM

✓Experienced Mechanic
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you have a faulty master cylinder. It is likely the seal in the master cylinder is bad and not holding pressure as they are designed to.

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

Keep in mind that replacing of the master cylinder will require the bleeding of the brake system to purge out any air that might get trapped in the system.

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

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.

Oct 27, 2021 at 2:04 PM