Hello, my 1999 Protege brakes are acting funny. Two days ago as I was backing out of a parking space my brakes were hard to press down. It felt like something was underneath the brake pedal. This happened again yesterday as well.

Could anyone explain to me what this is and also how much I am looking at spending to get this problem repaired.

Thanks in advance.

God Bless

Karmel

 

sounds like a brake booster issue. is it only when you back up or fowards too?

 

Thank you for responding.

Actually, it is worst when I am backing out. However, when I drive it and press the brakes it seems that the brake is pushing against my foot. I did find out yesterday that it may be my brake booster therefore, I found a mechanic who is going to fix it today for a reasonable price.

Is this just normal wear and tear of a car that is 11 years old?

Please let me know.

Thanks!

 

its hit and miss, you could have a booster that will last the life of the car, others have to repair it

 

Yup. 'Sounds like a booster all right.
Sometimes they become intermittent before crapping out all together. It can be hard for a first timer to figure out. One would think they would either work correctly or not, but that's not always the case.
Not so unusual.

 

Turns out it was the master cyclinder. My cars drives great now.

Thanks for all of your replies. They are greatly appreciated.

God Bless

Karmel83

 

Well, that is a bit of a surprise, but glad for you that that's all it turned out to be.
Did the shop let you know anything else about the problem, such as why or how the MC went bad?
I would be curious for my own archival education.