Q: My brakes don't work

asked by on November 08, 2016

About 3 weeks ago my trucks abs light came on. The first week was no problem, but then it started feeling like the longer I drove the harder it was for me to drive. That is it was almost as if when I used the brakes they did not fully release when I let go. The brake pedal would stay hard and I'd have to really push to stop. The night before I was going to take it to the shop, on my way home, the brakes had suddenly turned extra soft. So soft that after that point I didn't even feel safe driving down the street. I have bleed my brakes multiple times with no air comming through, I used the correct draining order and used both a partner and brake fluid change kit. Now I have no idea what to do, what could it possibly be?

My car has 147000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car misfiring
Hello, since the car is misfiring there is probably a Check Engine Light that goes along with it. A simple code reader can give you the code associated with that cylinder that is missing. The next step is a little...
Service stability light comes on too many times a day
I would need a little bit more information to answer this question fully. When you say the car bolts, I'm assuming that means that the car accelerates without input from you. If this is occurring, it sounds like there may...
Steering wheel clicks when turned and rattles over some bumps and bad roads
At 47,000 miles, I would not suspect your steering column is worn. Depending on the history (wrecks, fender benders, potholes, etc), you may have worn out components in your front suspension. A clunking noise over bumps is likely a sway...
Flashing CEL
The codes you recorded, P0304 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0303-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-3-misfire-detected-by-spencer-clayton), P0171 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn), P0301 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0301-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-1-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), P0300 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0300-obd-ii-trouble-code-random-multiple-cylinder-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), all pertain to engine misfiring. The flashing of the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) signifies that the misfiring is "active" (ongoing) and consequently you should try to get the...
My car is jerking. When I plug in the idling sensor, especially after driving a few kilimeters and when I unplug it, the car travels well
Hi - it is quite possible your engine is running in "open loop" when the idle sensor is disconnected, simply because the engine computer realizes that a crucial sensor is missing. By design, open loop running will be a richer...
Timing marks on a Chrysler 300 V6 3.5 liter. Help with putting a timing belt on.
As long as the camshafts did not turn and the timing marks are the same, then there is no issue and the timing marks are lined up properly. If you need further assistance with your timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement), then seek...
Power sliding door stuck open after van was jump started.
Hi there. In most cases, this issue is caused by the electrical motor being locked due to the battery swap. The only way to resolve this problem is to have a professional mechanic replace the motor. In the meantime, you...
Oil Light and Overheating.
The oil pressure light will usually come on when a few things could be happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil, the oil pump could be failing or not pumping oil sufficiently or the oil pressure sending...
Car won't start fast clicking noise but radio lights and power windows work well
The starter and/or solenoid may be faulty. Starters sometimes develop "bad spots" on the armature (of the starter motor). That causes intermittent, unreliable operation just like what you are experiencing. The problem is easily diagnosed and the solution can be...

Related articles

I Hit the Brakes Very Hard. Did I Create a Flat Spot on My Tires?
Almost Almost everyone, at some point in his or her driving experience, will slam on the brakes. Slamming on the brakes is generally more than just an emotional response to a situation. When you're avoiding an accident or reacting to...
How to Brake Smoothly (The Pivot Method)
Braking Braking is a skill. Braking, just like any other aspect of driving, takes a certain level of skill to get right. Good braking technique will not only be less stressful on the driver and passengers, but it will also...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Impala
A A true classic, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala may not have all of the latest high-tech features of other sedans on the market, but it is a tried-and-true model with lots of room, plenty of comfortable features, and a large...