Brake pedal went to floor

Tiny
SEDDY05
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 LINCOLN MKZ
  • 3.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,719 MILES
Stopped at a red light with normal functioning brakes, upon sitting at the light the brake went to the floor.

No dash lights, reservoir is at the max fill line, car does stop once pedal is to floor. When pumping brakes while in motion it does give a jerk as if the brakes are working.
Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 9:57 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

My first suspect is the master cylinder is bad. Take a look at this link:

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

What I suspect is the plunger in the master cylinder is bad and allowing fluid to bypass. You feel a bit of brakes at first and then the fluid bypasses and allows the brake pedal to drop to the floor. Now... I am basing this on no fluid leak.

________________________________________

Here is a link that shows in general how the master cylinder is replaced:

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

_______________________________________

Here are the direction specific to replacement on your vehicle:

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER

Brake Master Cylinder

Removal
NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.
NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure, refer to Safety Warnings in General Information. See: Vehicle > Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Refer to: Health and Safety Precautions See: Vehicle > Technician Safety Information > Health and Safety Precautions (General Information). See: Vehicle > Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

2. NOTICE: Before removing the master cylinder, relieve the vacuum in the brake booster or the master cylinder O-ring seal may be drawn into the brake booster, causing brake booster failure and increased brake pedal effort.

Picture 1

3. Torque : 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

Picture 2

4. Torque : 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

Picture 3

5. NOTE: Make sure that the master cylinder-to-booster seal is removed with the master cylinder.

Picture 4

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

2.
- If a new brake master cylinder has been installed, bleed the master cylinder.
Refer to: Component Bleeding See: Brake Bleeding > Procedures > Component Bleeding (Brakes and Traction Control).

- If the brake master cylinder was removed to access other components, bleed the brake system.
Refer to: Brake System Pressure Bleeding See: Brake Bleeding > Procedures > Brake System Pressure Bleeding (Brakes and Traction Control).

_______________________________________________

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

Take care,
Joe

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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
SEDDY05
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No leaks according to shop diagnostic, lines bled but same issue. Supposed to go to dealer Tuesday just looking to avoid it.
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
SEDDY05
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your reply but the way, confirms my suspicion but odd at 57k in miles
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Welcome back:

That was my first consideration, the mileage. However, the symptoms fit. I can't think of anything other that would cause what you described unless there is a leak.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
SEDDY05
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Always wanted a Lincoln. Already had to replace the engine due to an internal thermostat leak, power train covered that at least. Eight months in and I've determined, Lincoln is not for this guy.
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 3:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Welcome back:

I understand. It sounds like you have the same type of luck I have. But remember, there are good and bad ones from all manufacturers. The car you have is a good one, but you may have just been the luck person that got the bad one in the batch. Again, the same luck I would have. LOL

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 AT 7:43 PM

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