Questions and Answers

Buick Has No Pedal

Q. I have a 1987 Buick Century, 4 cyl. Problem - this happened over night. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor, with very little brakes (if any). It has been worked on by a Buick dealer, Chevy dealer, and an auto shop. Plus 2 mechanic friends have worked on it. To date none of the above repair shops has been able to get me a brake pedal. They told me that they do not have any idea what could be wrong. They are sorry but they can not find the problem. Have replaced master cylinder, booster, two rear wheel cylinders, front brake hoses , two rear drums, and inspected the calipers and rotors. I still do not have a brake pedal, the pedal goes down to approx ¾" from the floor. This has been going on for 7 weeks. PLEASE can on add any light.

Thank You,
Allen

A. Okay, here is what you need to do; pinch the hoses to the front calipers, start the car and step on the brake. I'm willing to bet a years supply of chinchilla food that you will a good brake pedal. If you do, then replace the front calipers.

Now this is the point where I usually explain what is happening. In this case I can't. I don't know why, but a bad caliper will cause the pedal to go to the floor. There is no logic to it and no one at Bendix, EIS or any other manufacturer can explain it to me. It just... is.