Why are all four brakes locking up while driving?

WATERS97

MEMBER
2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

It feels as if I'm being pulled backwards while trying to drive forward. I replaced all 4 brakes and the rear caliper and brake hose and swapped out the ABS pump. I recently put a new brake light switch in also. I don't know if that would even have anything to do with it. It also leaked all the transmission fluid out when it started to act up, please help I'm stuck trying to find out what's wrong with it.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,973 POSTS

Sorry we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

The reason for all four-brake locking up is the master cylinder or brake booster needs to be replaced because it is not releasing the pressure inside the brake master. Please go over this guide to help and I have included how to change out the master and brake booster so you can fix the problem.

To be sure this is the problem you can loosen the brake master cylinder mounting bolts three turns to see if the brakes release. You might want to try to adjust the booster pushrod inward.

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

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

and

https://youtu.be/WDxvEQrMkBg

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

Images (Click to make bigger)