I have a 1997 Toyota Tacoma with 165,000 miles. When I step on the brake pedal, the amount of pedal pressure seems low, and the vehicle does not slow down as quickly as it should. If I let off the brake then immediately apply my foot to it, there is good pressure and it does not decrease. What might be causing this? The master cylinder is the original.
Low brake fluid level? NEVER ADD BRAKE FLUID!! The brake master cylinder is designed to hold just the right amount of brake fluid for your brake system. There are two things to note. 1) As the brake pads wear out, the calipers piston has to move farther out to press on the brake pads. As the piston moves farther out, the area behind the piston becomes filled with more fluid from the master cylinder, and the level of fluid in the master cylinder goes down. When the fluid level in the master cylinder gets too low, a light should come on indicating that your brake fluid is low. That does NOT mean you need to add brake fluid. It means your brake pads are VERY close to being worn out. 2) If you add brake fluid today, and have your brakes done tomorrow, when the mechanic compresses the caliper piston ALL the excess brake fluid is going to spill out of the master cylinder all over the engine compartment and make a huge mess. Not to mention ruining your car. Just a note: Brake fluid does not evaporate. So, unless you have a leak, NEVER add brake fluid. Have your brakes serviced. Worn rear brake shoes (out of adjustment)? Air in the lines? Leaking brake cylinder?
has it got enough brake fluid? can you see any dribble marks from brake lines or at the callipers?
the master cylinder. the master cylinder is getting weak and not delivering enough pressure to the wheels.
