'03 Base Vibe - Soft Brake Pedal

[MisterHighway]

Hey Viberators,I've been having some issues with a soft (spongy) brake pedal. This was not a overnight symptom and has developed over time. I will be working on my rear brakes (shoes) shortly and have recently replaced my front pads. The issue existed prior to my brake job. I have never changed out the brake fluid (194k) nor ever bled the system in any way. Should I do this? My brakes bottom out just after my brakes are fully engaged. With Michigan winter up on me, I don't want to let this stand for too much longer. Any ideas or advice? I've checked this forum but only found one other topic and the member had just bled his system so our situations are not exactly the same.Thanks for any help guys and gals![MisterHighway]

[keithvibe]

Yes you should change the fluid out... it's WAY past due.The issue with the pedal falling to the floor after you are sitting for a min, just after applying the brakes, isn't a fluid issue but a master cylinder issue. It's time to get the master cylinder replaced.Example, You are coming to a stop sign. You have plenty of brake pressure at the start of your braking, but as you come to a stop and sit there and check traffic flow you notice that your foot is slowly going lower and lower to the floor.That is a tail tell sign that the master cylinder is failing or you have a brake fluid leak. But being you didn't mention loss of fluid. My money is on the master cylinder.If you don't get this some attention fast you will end up losing your brakes compleatly

[DrunkenMonster]

X2 for the master cylinder, the should be cheap to buy and two brake lines and two nuts and old one is out and the new one is in. Just follow the instructions for bench bleeding.