Brake pedal sinks, but not to the floor

Tiny
RISKEBIZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
Brake pedal sinks low but can be pumped up. Can be restored if I get the antilock brake system to engage. Will work fine for weeks then fail again.
Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 5:18 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

Is the brake fluid level getting low? If not, it sounds like the master cylinder is going bad. Try this. Apply pressure to the brake with the engine running. Maintain steady press and see if the pedal slowly begins to sink. I realize you mentioned that the pedal doesn't go to the floor. However, take a look through this link and see if anything mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

Let me know about the test above and if there are any lights coming on.

Joe
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
RISKEBIZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe, thanks for the quick response. The brake fluid reservoir is full and there are no lights on. I tried the test and the brake pedal held firm with no sinking. The pedal just depresses lower than usual. Could the ABS be connected to this problem somehow?
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Anything is possible. How do you get the ABS to actuate?

Joe
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
RISKEBIZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I slam and the brakes, but that has no longer resolved my problem. How would I know if the master cylinder needs replacing? And is it a tough job?
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

Basically, what you are describing sounds like the MC is bad. Since there are no leaks, the plungers in the master cylinder are most likely allowing fluid to bypass resulting in the pedal issue.

As far as replacement, it isn't that bad of a job. Here is a link that shows in general how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-brake-master-cylinder

___________________________

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

___________________________

2014 Hyundai Sonata L4-2.0L Turbo
Repair Procedures
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Master Cylinder Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Repair Procedures
REPAIR PROCEDURES

Removal

1. Turn ignition switch OFF and disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly (A).

pic 1

3. Disconnect the brake fluid level switch connector (A), and vacuum switch connector (B).

[2.4 GDI]

pic 2

[2.0 T-GDI]

pic 3

4. Remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir with a syringe.

CAUTION:
- Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle, it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash it off immediately with water.

5. Disconnect the brake tube (A) from the master cylinder by loosening the tube flare nut.

Tightening torque:
18.6 - 22.6 N.m (1.9 - 2.3 kgf.m, 13.7 - 16.6 lb-ft)

[2.4 GDI]

pic 4

[2.0 T-GDI]

pic 5

6. Remove the master cylinder (B) from the brake booster after loosening the mounting nuts (A).

Tightening torque:
12.7 - 16.7 N.m (1.3 - 1.7 kgf.m, 9.4 - 12.3 lb-ft)

[2.4 GDI]

pic 6

[2.0 T-GDI]

pic 7

Installation

1. Installation is the reverse of removal.
2. After installation, bleed the brake system.
(Refer to Brake System Bleeding)

_________________________________________

Here are the directions for brake bleeding.

2014 Hyundai Sonata L4-2.0L Turbo
Procedures
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Bleeding Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Brake System Bleeding

CAUTION:
- Do not reuse the drained fluid.
- Always use genuine DOT3/DOT4 brake Fluid.
Using a non-genuine DOT3/DOT4 brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system.
- Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed to contaminate the brake fluid.
- Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle, it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash it off immediately with water.
- The reservoir on the master cylinder must be at the MAX (upper) level mark at the start of bleeding procedure and checked after bleeding each brake caliper. Add fluid as required.

1. Make sure the brake fluid in the reservoir is at the MAX(upper) level line.
2. Have someone slowly pump the brake pedal several times, and then apply pressure.
3. Loosen the right-rear brake bleed screw (A) to allow air to escape from the system. Then tighten the bleed screw securely.

Front

pic 8

Rear

pic 9

4. Repeat the procedure for wheel in the sequence shown below until air bubbles no longer appear in the fluid.

pic 10

5. Refill the master cylinder reservoir to MAX(upper) level line.

CAUTION:
Fluid can be overflowed when it is refilled with used brake pad.

_________________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have any questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 6:02 PM

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