The brake pedal feels solid but as soon as the car is started the pressure drops

Tiny
MOCHAPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA ACCORD
My brake pedal has been low for several months. I took it in and the mechanics put in new rear brakes. The brake pedal was still low. They bled the brakes several different times. They put in a new master cylinder. The brake pedal was still low. They put in a new proportioning valve. The brake pedal is still low. It goes almost to the floor before I feel any braking and if I press hard enough when stopped I can push it to the floor. The brake pedal feels solid enough when the car is not started but as soon as the car is started the pressure drops. The mechanics have tried everything they know. The bled the lines multiple times even when the car was jacked up. They checked the calipers, did something with a wheel cylinder, it seems like they did everything, except fix it. Anyway I am 700.00 out and have the same problem as before I went in. I don't know what to do or where to go next?
Please help
Friday, April 18th, 2008 AT 9:04 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
"The brake pedal feels solid enough when the car is not started but as soon as the car is started the pressure drops."

That statement says to me that this is a brake booster problem.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_boost_1.jpg

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Friday, April 9th, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
MOCHAPJ
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Ok, the mechanic put in a new brake booster today. Still the SAME problem. Except now I have 1000.00 into this issue?
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Friday, April 9th, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
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Does this have ABS?
Antilock brakes?
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Friday, April 9th, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
MOCHAPJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, I don't think it has ABS. The mechanic told me that and I just checked in the manual.

J
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Friday, April 9th, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Get a measurement on the pedal height and check adjustment if all else is good...rear brakes were fully adjusted out correct?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_h1_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_h2_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_h3_1.jpg

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Friday, April 9th, 2021 AT 1:32 PM

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