Brake issues, please help!

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

OK, I've done a brief search already, but the results don't match up exactly...

Tonight when I was driving home, I noticed a few things (it was just fine the last couple of days):
a. Whenever I put my foot on the pedal, even just 1% down or so, I hear a faint hissing noise that can only be heard inside the cabin, near where the brake pedal is.
b. Every other time I step on the brakes there's a mild 'thunk' that comes from the area.
c. I noticed that the pedal reacts a bit sooner/faster than usual.

My diagnosis is as follows:
Brake fluid levels OK (due for a change soon though; it is getting a bit dark), no signs of leakage near master cylinder. Pedal stayed steady when continuously held for 60 seconds.

Could someone give me an answer ASAP? I don't like to let brake problems linger, and I want to take care of it come hell or high water.

Thanks in Advance!

-Ed

[DatSRBoi]

Make sure there are no air in the line. Thats all I can think of for the hissing sound.

[Sebas007]

Make sure there are no air in the line. Thats all I can think of for the hissing sound.

Air in the brake lines will bring a lag in the braking feeling of the brake pedal...

[shocar4]

there is a post somewhere around here that explains exactly what you are talking about! apparently there is a gasket behind the master cylinder that will tear and you will get the hissing when you step down on the brake pedal! sounded like a pretty easy diy fix!

[shocar4]

here you go i found it!
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php? ... ing+brakes

[Sebas007]

From the link above ^^^

I had the same problem for a couple of months,but I finally figured it out about 3 months ago (with the help of a friend). It was air leaking out of the master cylinder, The small paper gasket right behind the fluid container had dried up and ripped. I was going to buy a new one from the dealer (less than $2.00) but we figured what the hell and we cut out a piece of head gasket material to fit and put that in it's place and the hissing stopped.
BTW,it did not affect my braking at all it was just annoying to hear everyday.
Good Luck with fixing yours,I'm glad I could help.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

LOL... Ironically I saw that thread last night but didn't think much of it (but then again I was beat tired from a company Christmas dinner)... Even more ironic was when I was trying to confuse him in that thread...

So since this is "$2 and even fixable by paper", what is the proper name of it, 'master cylinder gasket'? Since my CEL came on earlier this morning, I'm going to stop by AutoZone anyway. But to fix that, do I have to drain/refill the brake fluid to replace it? I know, dumb question but I'm going to attempt doing this over lunch break if I can.

Also, any solution to that popping, or should that be fixed by the gasket issue as well?

Much appreciated!

**EDIT** Is it kinda triangular, has a big circle in the middle and has 2 bolt cut-outs? I just called the dealership about it.

[Jackass-Jeff]

LOL... Ironically I saw that thread last night but didn't think much of it (but then again I was beat tired from a company Christmas dinner)... Even more ironic was when I was trying to confuse him in that thread...

So since this is "$2 and even fixable by paper", what is the proper name of it, 'master cylinder gasket'? Since my CEL came on earlier this morning, I'm going to stop by AutoZone anyway. But to fix that, do I have to drain/refill the brake fluid to replace it? I know, dumb question but I'm going to attempt doing this over lunch break if I can.

Also, any solution to that popping, or should that be fixed by the gasket issue as well?

Much appreciated!

**EDIT** Is it kinda triangular, has a big circle in the middle and has 2 bolt cut-outs? I just called the dealership about it.

THat was me fool... it's the right one.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Thanks, just confirming with other members if that was truly it... I was going on my lunch break and didn't want to waste time/money/gas and leave empty-handed; combined with stopping by AutoZone to pull the code (P0171; got MAF cleaner to see if it helps).

Anyway, got the part (thanks Jeff), will be replacing it tonight if I can, but tomorrow morning if I can't.

Still, does replacing the gasket get rid of problem B (the popping), or is it caused by something else? First a cold from a dumb co-worker that didn't cover her mouth when she sneezed, and now this .

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

UPDATE: FIXED... Who know a flimsy little piece of paper would mess things up so much? ALL the problems are gone (minus the CEL I mentioned but I just spray-cleaned the MAF and haven't ran the car far/long enough)

[grsd03]

Hey, I'm having the same problem, mine makes a hissing sounds and has low braking power. I went to the dealer and they said that my brake booster should be replaced but everyone I've talked to says that they have never heard of a brake booster going faulty. Especially since it is a '99. I just wanted to check to see if this may be the cause before forking over 1400 bucks to fix a brake booster. Espcially if i don't need too!!!

I was just wondering if you had to drain the fluid and then replace the gasket, or can you do it without draining it? Also did you have to bleed the brakes after?

Thanks in advance

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Well, you can TRY the thing I described; it was a more simpler fix that I'd thought it would be... $1.24 and only took about 20 minutes (but may take only 10 if you have the right equipment and working in daylight... I was working at night with only a Mag-Lite and an adjustable wrench since my socket wrench didn't quite fit).

I didn't remove ALL of the brake fluid, but just basted out a good 3/4 of it (probably didn't even need to), and I removed the 2 bolts holding the reservoir in place, and ONLY shifted it backwards enough to barely guide the new gasket in (less than 1/2" out).

If you don't remove all the fluid, you most likely don't have to do a complete drain/refill, but it IS recommended to bleed it if too much air gets into the brakes, which may contribute to your low power... Does the brakes feel stiff at all (e.g. you have to put a lot of weight into the pedal to get your car to stop)?

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

OH, while I got this thread open I still need some help...

1. The thing where the pedal "pops" is still happening (problem B in my first post). Any insight?

2. Since I've never had to slam brakes on a cold engine (thanks to some idiot blowing a 2-way stop sign I did 2 days ago ), is it a sign of trouble if the car has been on for less than 30-45 seconds (e.g. idled for 20 seconds and having that sh!t happen when you're barely at the end of the block) to start losing boost power halfway through braking?

Thanks Again!

[grsd03]

Thanks for the reply, yeah my brake pedal does feel stiff if i slam on the brakes and then will ease up as i keep it held. I also noticed the same problem that you just mentioned when the car is cold. If i have to slam on the brakes, yes it has happened lol, the brake pedal will seem really hard and the car won't stop like it should.

I'll give the gasket thing a try.

THanks

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

^Well, the irony of it is that mine is fine once the car warms up though; living in an Asian neighborhood, I had to again on the way home and everything acted as it should.


Still, anybody have any insight onto the pedal making the popping noise?