Hard Brakes

[vmax3_2001]

Ever since I've owned my truck there has been a problem with my breakes. Here's the deal. When I step on the breakes they are very hard then they gradualy soften. You can hear a pressure like sound almost like air brakes when i apply but I don't think they need to be bled, but once and a While they will go almost to the floor. I checked the vac with the thumb over tube method by the master cylinder and the vac seems strong, (I don't have a gauge). Could my M/C be going out, or vac pump? I was also told there is a rubber seal inside by the break pedal that could be bad as well. Any ideas on what or how to check. I'ts probaly something simple, thanks

 

[sassyrel]

well, if you have good vacuum--measured by a gauge---then it sounds like the brake vacuum booster is bad----

 

[k_williams1982]

Brake booster is my guess. Mine makes the "shush" sound like setting an air parking brake everytime I press the pedal. The brakes aren't requiring alot of pressure yet, but I know it's only a matter of time until it's completely gone. I was going to buy a new one, but hopefully my truck will get HBed soon and I'll have no need for the vaccum assisted.

 

[vmax3_2001]

Yeah. thanks for the replies, thats pretty much what my thoughts were. I was checking and the prices seem pretty reasonable so I'll probably get one soon. Thanks again