Brakes suddenly diminished?

Tiny
BALLEN7
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I had driven about a block and a half when all of a sudden the brakes were barely working. The brake light and ABS light lit up. I managed to inch my way home. It is raining so I can't see if brake fluid is leaking (I assume it's not that). Brakes were working fine just prior to this, no squeaking. If I can provide any other details please ask. It's been one of those years!
Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 11:28 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Is the brake fluid empty? If not, it sounds like the brake master cylinder has gone out. Here is a guide to help you be sure and I have included a separate guide for the master cylinder replacement.

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

and this guide for the brake master cylinder bleed:

https://youtu.be/WDxvEQrMkBg?si=isVrBSlkw-iN8pgQ

and

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

here are the instructions on how to replace the master on your vehicle. Make sure to bleed the system at the wheels when completed. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find.

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Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
BALLEN7
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Hello Ken, so sorry for the late response. I've basically been ignoring my car. I put in new fluid and that doesn't seem to be the issue. When I push the brake pedal it has little resistance down to the floor. I assume it must be the brake master cylinder then?
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Most likely, but I would remove the wheels to check the condition of the brakes and to make sure there are no leaks. If the brakes are good with no leak, I would replace the brake master. If you have any questions, please upload an image or video so I can help.
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+1
Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
BALLEN7
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Hey Ken, thank you again for all of your help. I don't think I'm mechanically inclined enough to fix the brake master. Do you have any idea how much this should cost (roughly)? Thanks again.
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Saturday, November 25th, 2023 AT 5:39 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Sure, it should cost about $240.00 parts and labor.
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Saturday, November 25th, 2023 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
BALLEN7
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Okay. Thank you so much for all of your help Ken, you've been a big help.
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Saturday, November 25th, 2023 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Sunday, November 26th, 2023 AT 11:21 AM

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