Brakes are screwed up

[Reel]

They used to be real responsive if I tapped them. Now if I push them, I have to jam them real hard to get them braking at all. It is not safe to be driving with them like this because I either have to stomp them to screech to a stop or start braking from way back. There doesn't seem to be any intermediate range.

The tires are a bit underinflated. I just checked and they were about 25 instead of 35 but I didn't think it would cause this behavior.

92 camry LE. FWD

 

[zerocool84]

does the pedal go all the way to the floor or is it just hard to push

 

[amdhunter]

brake fluid.

 

[Reel]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
does the pedal go all the way to the floor or is it just hard to push

It is really easy to push at first but before there was some tension real soon. I have to stomp it to the floor until I get some resistance near the end and then the brakes screeched the car to a stop.

 

[malbojah]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
brake fluid.

What he said. And I'd check the pads/shoes while I was at it.

 

[Evadman]

did you check brake fluid level? Take off the wheels and look or anything out of the ordinary.

Of course:
Vehicle Make, Model, Engine, transmission, millege, miles since last interval, FWD, RWD, AWD, etc are required.

 

[zerocool84]

maybe a leak in one of your wheel cylinders/brakelines/master cylinder
check for any fluid on your wheels on the inside

 

[Koenigsegg]

Whatever you do don't jump out of your car if they fail.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: Koenigsegg
Whatever you do don't jump out of your car if they fail.

I don't think he is a woman.

 

[BabaBooey]

They are not working > fix them or > repair shop...

 

[0roo0roo]

def brake fluid

 

[jlee]

As everyone else says, check brake fluid first..pads/rotors might need some attention..

 

[Reel]

Thanks. My fluid was way below the min line. I picked up some fluid and filled it up. I am going to give it a test in a bit by driving really fast toward a brick wall. I will have someone standing by with 911 on speed dial. Thanks for the help.

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: Reel
Thanks. My fluid was way below the min line. I picked up some fluid and filled it up. I am going to give it a test in a bit by driving really fast toward a brick wall. I will have someone standing by with 911 on speed dial. Thanks for the help.

you could of accomplished that w/o new brake fluid

 

[Alkesh]

Someone is slowly cutting your brake lines.

 

[Reel]

It doesn't feel much better but I might just be confused. I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow and have it looked at.

 

[m2kewl]

Originally posted by: Reel
It doesn't feel much better but I might just be confused. I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow and have it looked at.

dude, you need to bleed the brakes too.

 

[Reel]

Originally posted by: m2kewl

Originally posted by: Reel
It doesn't feel much better but I might just be confused. I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow and have it looked at.

dude, you need to bleed the brakes too.

So did I screw it up or can it be fixed by them changing the fluid?

 

[bootymac]

Originally posted by: m2kewl

Originally posted by: Reel
It doesn't feel much better but I might just be confused. I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow and have it looked at.

dude, you need to bleed the brakes too.

Yeah, I was confused as hell because I always thought you had to bleed the brakes if you're changing the fluid.

Reel: It's still fixable. If you read up on some manuals for your car, you can do it yourself. You just wasted some brake fluid

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: bootymac

Originally posted by: m2kewl

Originally posted by: Reel
It doesn't feel much better but I might just be confused. I am going to take it in to a shop tomorrow and have it looked at.

dude, you need to bleed the brakes too.

Yeah, I was confused as hell because I always thought you had to bleed the brakes if you're changing the fluid.

Reel: It's still fixable. If you read up on some manuals for your car, you can do it yourself. You just wasted some brake fluid

only bleed if full change or if theres air in the system. top up doesn't matter. assuming your system isn't contaminated with water..which apparently becomes useless steam during heavy braking..a bad thing u know brake fluid is hydroscopic, so don't leave that container open for long

 

[gotsmack]

break caliper