1997 Ford Contour brake pedal goes to floor

STOO2K

MEMBER
1997 FORD CONTOUR
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
103,000 MILES

Hi there. I am having a problem with my brakes in that when I push the brake pedal down, nothing happens. I have to pump the pedal a second time to get any stopping power out of them. The car has been stood for about 6 months but was absolutly fine before. I am guessing that something is leaking pressure as it only takes a couple of seconds for it to function like this again. I have bled the braking system, changed the discs and pads and even changed the vacume pipe that runs from the inlet manifold to the brake servo. And still no joy. Not sure what to do now.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If you have checked for, and found no leaks, check the fluid level and condition, you may have contaminated fluid, put some fluid from the master in a cup of water, swirl, it should turn milky white, with no oil beads floating on top. If any beads, the fluid is contaminated with oil or tranny fluid! This would require the replacement of ALL rubber brake parts, calipers, Master, wheel cylinders and hoses, then you would need to flush the steel lines with alcohol or brakekleen. If the test is normal, get some brass plugs, and remove the steel lines at the Master, install and tighten the plugs, does the pedal behave normally? If not replace the Master. If it does pump up and remain high, your leak is in a caliper or wheel cylinder.