When braking I hear an air sound?

MARY LENGYEL

MEMBER
1986 BUICK REGAL
V6
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I have a Buick GN 1986. Where I live it is very rural, so I hope to get an answer or help before I go to look for someone to fix the problem.

This past week when using the car when I put my foot on the brakes I heard a sound, I will say it sounds like there might be air in the lines. The brakes seem fine, and it only happens when you first use the brakes and then goes away until you step on them again. I have brakes and the brake light has not gone on. I hope you can give me some suggestions as to what it is. Thanks in advance. I can't send a video of the sound as I don't have a cell phone.

4 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,961 POSTS

This happens when the power brake booster goes bad. Here is how to change out the brake booster and a guide to help you understand what's going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reasons-for-air-sounds-when-pressing-the-brake-pedal-a-comprehensive-guide

1. Remove two nuts attaching master cylinder to brake unit, then position master cylinder away from brake unit with brake lines attached.

Caution: Use care not to kink or bend brake lines.

2. Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve. Plug vacuum hose to prevent dirt from entering.
3. Remove four nuts holding power unit to dash.
4. Remove retainer and washer from brake pedal pin and disengage pushrod eye or clevis.
5. Remove power unit from car.

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