No Pressure in Brakes - SOMETIMES

[HonuGirl808]

I have a '95 Toyota Camry Automatic and every now and then there will be no pressure in my brakes. What could be causing this? When there is no pressure in the brakes I have to pump the brakes in order for them to start working again.

[asphalt victory]

air

[JohnGD]

If you pump the brakes and it firms up then it's most likely air in the system. Otherwise the master cylinder may be failing. After pumping it up, if you just step on the pedal lightly, does it drift towards the floor? If so the MC is going.

If it's just air then bleed the system using a low moisture activity fluid. Like Castrol GT LMA or Valvoline Synthetic.

When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed?

[HonuGirl808]

I have no idea when the last time the brake fluids was serviced...and the pedel has a mind of its own on when it wants to be firm or loose...even after pumping the breaks

[bronzemaxell]

Originally Posted by HonuGirl808

I have no idea when the last time the brake fluids was serviced...and the pedel has a mind of its own on when it wants to be firm or loose...even after pumping the breaks

when my brake check valve went bad on my 94 camry, no brake, and a few near miss.
i have to pump pedal 5 to 10 times, and it worked again.

[JohnGD]

You should have the brakes checked asap. It's not safe to drive like that. Have the car towed if necessary.

How's the level and condition of brake fluid in the reservoir? If you don't recall when it was last changed then my guess is you have "black coffee" in there.

Also, when you step on the pedal, do you feel the brakes start to work (even if only slightly) almost immediately? Or do you feel some braking action only about 1/2 down?

I would check the rubber brake hoses near the wheels. Make sure they are in good shape and don't swell up as you step on the brakes. And if they're fine and there is no air in the system after bleeding, then it may be time to change out the master cylinder. I'd use only a new, OEM master cylinder.

Originally Posted by HonuGirl808

I have no idea when the last time the brake fluids was serviced...and the pedel has a mind of its own on when it wants to be firm or loose...even after pumping the breaks

[touringcamry]

Aside from air being in the system, old fluid could also boil and create gas in the line causing a fading effect. But this problem is more obvious because the brakes work initially like normal and then starts to release even when the pedal is held down.

Whatever the case though, don't try to be like this guy:

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