My 88 convertibles brake pedal has just started occasionally compressing past its usual limit point, only does this on first brake application after cold start, and , if I have been driving without brake use for a bit, doesn't go to floor, but its headed that way with no braking going on, I have to lift and pump it lightly a few times and they come back.

The fluid reservoir is at the correct level. Is my master cylinder toast?

If so, any thoughts on a reasonably priced source for a replacement.

Brian Collins
Dallas, TX

 

You might want to replace it, how many miles on the car?

Check out mazdaformance for stock parts.

 

Have you tried bleeding the brakes? Even though the fluid is topped off the seals in the brake system can leak a little bit of air (nothing is perfect).

 

That's what my brakes did on my first rx7 (87se) before they went out on a trip from home back to college. I drove with alot of downshifting and a little help from the hand brake.

But, I didn't try and bleed them first or check any of my seals.

Don't be suprised if they go out. (like that would suprise anybody).

 

Dude dont use your ebrake to slow down.. Youll warp the rotors.

 

I would think that with his service brakes having failed on the car, that,.......that would be exactly the situation that the "ebrake" or emergency brake was designed for; you know,.......an emergency, ........EEK!!! NO BRAKES!!" other than that, I believe the only other time the owners manual recommends using the ebrake would be to introduce immediate and severe oversteer as in executing a "Doughnut"

Brian

 

The ebrake won't warp your rotors any more then the normal brake. All it does is actuate the rear calipers.

As for the original poster, he/she should bleed their brakes and see if that cures the problem. If not, start saving for a new master cylinder and a good set of braided steel lines.