Is there a "test" to determine if the brake master cyl. needs replacement? Or is it just as I've read in the forum, try different things like changing fluids, etc to determine if the low or spongy brake pedal problem is a master cyl or something else?

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

Spongy pedal could just be a system that needs to be bled or a bad hose that expands when you press the pedal. I would check those first.

One clear indication of a bad master cylinder is when the pedal slowly sinks to the floor say, at a stoplight. If you're not losing fluid anywhere that usually means a bad master cylinder which coincidentaly, my car is in the shop for right now (luckily I have a warranty since the cost is almost $1200 for the part by itself).

I've seen some weird stuff happen when the abs pump goes bad too.

Low pedal could be a sticky caliper. On cars with drum rear brakes it's usually the back brakes that give the pedal its feel so check their adjustment.

One thing, don't drive on broderline brakes. Besides your own life, you'd be responsible for innocent people as well.

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Front pads were recently replaced, by me, and yes, I'll bet they should be bled so I'll check those areas first. Pedal doesn't seem to want to sink to the floor when at a stop - they grab good, just a little lower than a few months ago. Thanks.

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

Checked the front pads, and the inside left front is a touch loose - meaning I can move it slightly by touching the tabs at bottome or top. I remember this when I changed them, and just couldn't seem to get it tight like the others.

Thoughts? Could this affect brake pedal feel?

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Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery