The brakes on my 95 have required more and more pedal pressure lately. Just in case, I changed the front pads. ( didn't need them) While I wait I get physically in shape to track it down, anyone got any tips on where to look for a brake booster/vacuum leak? I am pretty certain it is not the master cyl, as the pedal never bottoms and pumping makes not difference. This car is absolutely immaculate out and in, the brake fluid has been changed a couple years ago, by the dealer ( before I bought it) at 82,000 miles. Has 112K now.

 

Is it possible your rear calipers have seized & they're not doing anything?

When you changed the front pads, how were the caliper slide pins? How did the pads fit in the caliper bracket (binding or anything funny)?

 

There were no mechanical issues with the calipers. Rears are working fine and not dragging.

 

hard pedal sounds like brake booster.

 

See link to brake booster test.

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good luck

 

Well maybe it's just me. I checked the brake booster and the vacuum is fine. I'm comparing the brake pedal pressure on my 95 to my 97. There is a very noticeable difference, but I didn't think there was any difference in the parts or design. I'm guessing here, but would say the 95 takes at least five pound more pedal pressure than the 97 for the same response.

 

next, i would try to bleed the system. make sure fluid flows freely from all corners. could be a restriction in the system.

 

It sounds like you need to bleed the brake lines, you're describing what sounds like air in the system.

 

air in the lines would create a softer/mushy pedal

 

Bleeding won't cure too firm brakes. If not the vacuum booster, then pads are too hard requiring added brake pressure to obtain acceptable stopping distance.

good luck