Hi everyone. I'm having a problem with the brakes on my 1998 Blazer LT. The brakes go all the way to the floor with little stopping power, and the emergency brake did work but not very well either. There is no grinding noise at all. Would this be a brake line problem? Thanks for your help.

 

Some kind of hydraulic problem in 1/2 of the system. ie master cylinder, brake hose, brake line.

 

Ok, thanks Lesmyer. Is there a simple way to test which one of these is the actual problem?

 

If a brake hose or brake line has failed there will be an obvious external leak of brake fluid. Master cylinder will leak internally.

Is the brake master cylinder reservoir full of brake fluid, or has it leaked out? If it is still full, then probably master cylinder has gone bad. If empty, then look elsewhere in the brake system for an external leak.

Salt can be hell on brake lines here in the rust belt.

If you're not used to working on brakes, many insurance policies will cover towing in a case like this and many places will inspect brakes for free. Be safe.

 

Sounds great. If the brake lines are leaking then the amount in the reservoir of the master cylinder should be going down and eventually be empty, is that correct?

 

Correct, but the reservoir is split due to dual hydraulic systems for the brakes (safety feature since 1967). If line or hose is leaking, one side (of reservoir) would go down and eventually be empty (the other would not). Should be able to see brake fluid level through the translucent reservoir.

 

check the lines going to the rear of the vehicle. They are known for rusting out. They run along the frame on the drivers side. lay on the ground next to the vehicle and have someone push the brakes for you and you should see it leak out. I've had to do those on my K1500 and blazer.