There is a problem with the brake pedal low?

Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 679,850 MILES
Hi! I don't know why but many people said that there is something wrong with my brake pedal. The brakes are working super fine. I don't understand why people said this to me can anyone please confirm if really there is a problem with the brake pedal low?
Friday, February 8th, 2019 AT 6:44 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Thanks for visiting 2CarPros.

I would consider this a problem. After that many pumps the brake pedal should become hard and have only an inch or so of travel until it gets stops. What you are experiencing is usually a sign of an internal leak in the master cylinder. Fluid bypasses the O rings on the piston resulting in this. I'll post replacement info below.

These videos and guides can help us fix it.

https://youtu.be/w7gUsj2us0U

and

https://youtu.be/WDxvEQrMkBg

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

Brake Master Cylinder Replacement

NOTICE
Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage the paint. If brake fluid gets on the paint, wash it off immediately with water.

NOTE:

- Press the brake pedal several times to deplete the vacuum in the brake booster.
- Be careful when handling the master cylinder. Do not hold it at the piston, or the piston may separate from the body. If the piston separates from the body, then the master cylinder must be replaced. Do not reinsert the piston back into the master cylinder body.
- Be careful not to damage or bend the brake lines during removal and installation.
- After removal, plug the ends of the hoses and the joints to prevent spilling brake fluid.

1. Remove the reservoir cap, then remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir with a syringe.

2. Disconnect the brake fluid level switch connector (A).

3. Disconnect the brake lines (B) from the master cylinder (C). To prevent spills, cover the hose joints with clean rags or shop towels.

4. Remove the master cylinder mounting nuts (D).

5. Remove the master cylinder from the brake booster (E). Be careful not to bend or damage the brake lines when removing the master cylinder.

6. Remove the O-ring (F) from the master cylinder.

NOTE: Replace the O-ring whenever the master cylinder is removed.

7. Install the master cylinder with a new O-ring in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:

- Check the brake booster pushrod clearance See: Vacuum Brake Booster > Adjustments > Brake Booster Pushrod Clearance Adjustment.
- Coat the new O-ring with silicone grease (Shin-EtsuG40M).
- Make sure not to get any silicone grease on the terminal part of the connectors and switches, especially if you have silicone grease on your hands or gloves.
- Check the brake pedal height and free play after installing the master cylinder, and adjust it if necessary See: Brake Pedal Assy > Adjustments > Brake Pedal And Brake Pedal Position Switch Adjustment.

8. Bleed the brake system See: Brake Bleeding > Procedures > Conventional Brake System Bleeding.

9. Spin the wheels to check for brake drag.

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Friday, February 8th, 2019 AT 9:11 PM
Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Thanks, but my car is still stopping as it should. How is it possible if it is an internal leak?
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Saturday, February 9th, 2019 AT 12:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
Are you experiencing any problem? does the pedal seem low? it looks okay in the video.

Here is a guide to help us.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yeah, brake pedal is low! Very low. My car is still stopping but I don't know for how long.
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
I'll post an image below with the seals that leak internally circled in red. When fluid leaks past it can result in multiple pumps without the brake getting higher as it should. You didn't mention seeing any leaking fluid, but that could be another cause of low pedal and the pedal not firming up after pressing many times. You would need to examine the rear of each wheel for brake fluid around the backing plates and also the lines and hoses.
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
How should I check this?
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
You can use a flashlight and check the brake calipers to see if there is any moisture. Do you have any warning lights on by chance?
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
There are no warning lights on.
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Sunday, February 17th, 2019 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
Okay look for brake fluid leaking from one of the brake calipers. What are the miles on the car?
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Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
ANGELACRUGHER
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
6790800 miles. I think there is a small amount of fluid going out.
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Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 AT 4:47 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
That will do it, not only will it leak fluid but it can suck air into the system. here is a guide to help walk you through the steps and diagrams below to show you on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-caliper-replacement

This gives instructions on how to do the caliper and the pads.
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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 9:54 AM

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