Brake problem in a 95

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Apr 20, 2008 | 06:08 PM

carriker

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From: College Station Texas

Brake problem in a 95

Just this week my brakes started acting funny. The pedal is much harder to push. The car still stops fine but you really have to put some effort into it. I also noticed that when the car is stopped and I press the brake pedal I can hear a hissing sound from near the pedal. It hisses if pressure is applied, not just as I am pushing it toward the floor... if that makes sense. Basically if the pedal is all the way up, no hiss. If it is anywhere else you can hear it. I would assume some kind of vacuum leak. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
-Matt

Apr 20, 2008 | 06:28 PM

RollaMo-LT4

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From: Rolla Missouri

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I believe you are assuming correctly. Your power brake booster works off of engine vacuum. The hiss you hear is a vacuum leak, and without vacuum you have a very hard pedal.

It could be the booster itself, or if your lucky maybe just the hose going to the booster. Take a look at that first as it's an easy fix. But in most cases, it's time for a new booster.

Apr 20, 2008 | 08:10 PM

carriker

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From: College Station Texas

I can see a vacuum hose under the dash. I can't really see anything wrong with it, but I can't see where it ends up under the dash. I don't even know if it's the one making the noise. How would I know if the booster is bad? I'm sure I just need to take that kick panel off and dig into the mess of wires under there and track down the leak. Thanks RollaMo.
-Matt

Apr 20, 2008 | 08:32 PM

aminnich

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From: Woodstock Georgia

The booster is in the engine compartment. Big round black thingy with the master cylinder attached to it.

Apr 20, 2008 | 11:30 PM

carriker

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From: College Station Texas

I know what the booster is. I was just asking for the symptoms of a bad booster. I removed the kickpanel. The vacuum hose goes to a yellowish plastic box with a piston in it that is attached to the brake pedal. I haven't had enough time to start the car up and figure out where the hiss is coming from. Hopefully I'll get to it tomorrow.

Apr 21, 2008 | 02:36 PM

jimmymack

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From: West Chester PA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by aminnich

The booster is in the engine compartment. Big round black thingy with the master cylinder attached to it.

What page in the FSM can I find a description of the big round black thingy

Thanks for today's laugh

Apr 21, 2008 | 11:13 PM

welsh_gal

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Brake booster gets my vote. Had the same,hard brake and hissing. Get a mate, start up the car and get them to pump the break while you listen with a bit of garden hose.