HARD PEDAL

[Tommy]

I have a 1985 caddy eldorado,when it comes to stopping the brake pedal is HARD, i think it might even be low also.but diffinetly the pedal is hard.  can anybody help?   THANK YOU  Tommy

[David #19063]

Hello Tommy,

Usually a hard pedal means a bad vacuum booster or loss of manifold vacuum to the booster.

Check the vacuum hose to to the booster make sure you are getting vacuum to your booster before you order a new booster.

David

[denise 20352]

  Its also possible that one system (front or rear) is not working.  This would explain the low pedal.

-denise

[Mike #19861]

 All of these HT4100 powered Cadillacs have an auxiliary vacuum pump that supplies vacuum to the accessories, such as the brake booster.

 There is a sensor on the booster to detect low vacuum, which will turn on the dash brake light. Check to see if this sensor is disconnected and functioning correctly.

 Also, check the filter. It should be located in the hose to the vacuum booster.

 A quick check of the sytem, though, is to remove the hose from the booster. There should be a strong vacuum signal at the hose. This would normally stall the engine when removed, but I cant say with the presence of the pump would allow this to happen.

 A low pedal is the indication of other problems. Air in the lines, a malfunctiong adjustor in the rear calipers, siezed caliper slider pins, worn linings... This could also cause the brake light on the dash to illuminate.

  Mike