Hard Brake Pedal

[camino70]

It seems that everytime I take this thing out, something else happens.
Its been awhile since I have given it a good blast and when I did and hit the brakes, they were hard and no light.
I checked the fluid level and everything looked good.
On the way home, almost all the way, they were hard and I had to keep my distance, then all of a sudden they started to feel normal again.
I am not sure what or where to look, so any direction would be helpful.
TIA
Ron

 

[MistaScott]

Yes, these cars are getting old and need maintenance on all systems (fuel, brake, vac, cooling, etc.) to run reliably everyday. I was very frustrated when I got mine and it seemed like everything was breaking.

Thankfully we have a lot of resources to help us with problems. For brakes, check http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/brakes/PwrMstr.html Hard brake pedal is usually the accumulator but the light will flicker intermittently if you stop. If you need a new accumulator get the replacement powermaster unit at Autozone for $143.00 (with lifetime warranty) because the accumulator costs $104.00 so you might as well get a new system. HTH.

 

[camino70]

Is this a difficult job replacing the powermaster unit?

 

[MistaScott]

I just replaced mine. It is really just plug and play. Only hard part was getting the old PM off the brake pedal. Just have someone help you angle the PM unit while you pull it off and put the new one on. It can be done in under an hour. The only thing you need besides the unit is new fluid (and some tools).

 

[camino70]

The car has been sitting since and I just started her up and pulled her out of the garage.
As soon as I touched the brake pedal, I heard a new noise, possilbly the PM motor? Anyway, everytime the brake pedal is depressed the noise comes on and sometime goes off as soon as the pedal is let go or moments later.

Should I get the new unit from AutoZone or is there something else going on?

Thanks again

 

[KEVINS]

That is just the powermaster motor which is normal. The accumulator is known to go out and it will feel like you have no power assist. Just replace the accumulator, about a 15 min job, and that will prolly cure the problem.

Good Luck
ks

 

[MistaScott]

Originally posted by KEVINS
That is just the powermaster motor which is normal. The accumulator is known to go out and it will feel like you have no power assist. Just replace the accumulator, about a 15 min job, and that will prolly cure the problem.

Good Luck
ks

I agree. It is normal for the motor to go about 10 secs when you turn the ignition on. However, the motor will run a lot more than usual if the accumulator can no longer hold charge. You should also see the brake light flicker (or even come on for a few seconds) and you should have trouble stopping the car on a quick stop.

The reman Autozone unit has a new accumulator with it so you can try plugging in the accumulator and see if that does it. A hard brake pedal usually means accumulator. After you narrow it down, I'd just install the new unit.

 

[camino70]

Thanks!

I just ordered the kit from AutoZone and should have it Friday.
I am not getting any lights?
So... First I am just going to swap the accumulator to see if that cures my problem. Then should I go ahead and replace everything else the kit comes with?
I am not exactly sure what I am doing, any other pointers besides the pedal you already gave me.

Ron

 

[MistaScott]

The accumulator wrenches right off. It can be replaced in minutes. If that fixes the problem you can use the car until you decide to replace the rest of the unit, which buys some time for warm weather. After you replace the unit, you can take the old one back and get $61.

Best advice I can give you is to get a hold of a service manual. I can send you the powermaster portion of mine. It explains the replacement procedure completely.

Basically you pump the brakes 10 or so times (IMPORTANT) to release pressure, unplug the two electrical connectors (pump and pressure switch), wrench off the brake line nuts (be careful you have the right size wrench as they strip easy), unbolt the unit from the firewall, unhook the rod from the brake pedal and pull it off.

The Powermaster is an entire unit -- you don't really need to assemble anything and that is the good news.

 

[camino70]

Thanks again. I think I have a manual somewhere around, I guess I should look for it. Its not too bad here now, so I am hoping its this nice on Friday or Saturday so I can get it out of the way!

 

[BUICKGNX]

Same situation

Hey Camino 70
I have the exact problem with my braking system on my 87 gn.
Its funny because my battery was discharged. As i went to charge it, car started fine. I let the car idle for 35 minutes...No problems. As i went to put the car into gear to put it in the garage, the brake light came on. My pedal became really hard and could not here the power motor noise for the brakes. Should I try changing accumulators. When i disconnect the power master switch, brake light goes out. Is the motor blown.?? How can i check??/
Please let me know!!
Thanks