Brake pedal sometimes goes to the floor

Tiny
ALBERTOW
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
Sometimes when I need to stop quickly, the brake pedal goes to the floor and I have to pump it which is dangerous. It does not always happen. I have taken it to several mechanics for this problem and we have changed the master cylinder, rebuilt the booster and machined the discs and replaced the pads. Nothing has helped. Even at the best of times, the brakes are not nearly as good as they used to be. It would be impossible to lock the brakes and it does not have ABS. I would like to sell this car but must fix this problem first.

Where is the proportioning valve? My biggest problem is that I am a retired American living in Mexico and the mechanics here are always trying to do things the cheapest way possible with little knowledge and/or equipment. If I can find the proportioning valve, I can show it to them and ask them to bleed it first.

The Stratus does have four wheel disc brakes and for that reason, I did not think that it had a proportioning valve. I thought perhaps that the discs were too worn but do not have a micrometer.
Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 3:26 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Hello,

This is a common problem when the caliper slides lock up not allowing the caliper to move freely. The slides rust which makes the brake go to the floor.

Here is a guide that will help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-caliper-replacement

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
After thoroughly looking at brake system this does have ABS there are two different types you will have to find a mechanic who can open ABS valves with a scanner so that it can be bled the proportioning valve is part of the abs unit. That may be more inline with your problem as this happens all the time as well. It will probably be on the frame just follow the lines down from master they will hook to that first. It should be at lower left rear of engine compartment.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
ALBERTOW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Unfortunately, I have a Mexican market model without ABS or airbags.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Please check the caliper slides to make sure they are moving.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Then follow the brake lines down for proportioning valve should be below master cylinder and check what Ken is saying as well.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 5:49 AM

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