Just did some research and figured out that the master cylinder is 99% the cause of brake pedal failure.
This is the case because when I hold my foot on the pedal, it will slowly depress instead of staying put.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.