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Question: Brakes almost gone

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agmg, Clovis, CA, October 03, 2009, 19:07
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The brakes are almost not there on our 2001 Dodge Stratus SE Sedan. For some time now the pedal was soft and had to be depressed all the way down for the brakes to take hold. They have been serviced regularly. We replaced the master cylinder and bled them. The problem is getting worse. In fact it is now unsafe to drive. The pedal goes all the way to the floor (literally) and the brakes coast the car to a stop they will not lock up. (We do not have anti lock brakes). We have disc brakes front and back. We do not know what to check next. Can anyone shed some light on this problem for us? Booster? Valve? We have noticed a hissing sound in the engine (like perhaps a vacuum leak of some sort. I do not know if this would effect the brakes or not. The sound just started occuring when the brakes got worse)

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  • Answer #1

    dandd October 09, 2009, 14:02
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     Master

    Where did you get the Master Cylinder? I ask this because I have found many defective aftermarket/rebuilt master cylinders. If you installed a factory quality Master, then you need to check the proportioning/metering combination valve. It may be stuck in an open position that won't let any pressure to the back brakes, or the metering valve may be defective which is not letting any fluid to the front brakes. If this doesn't do it, then I would TOW your car to a really good diagnostic shop and have a really sharp person do a complete brake inspection and diagnostic. there has to be a major defect in one of the brake system components.

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