Why would the brakes in my 1989 Buick Lesabre T Type need my full leg power to push brake pedal in order to stop my car? How do I go about fixing it? Shops don't know
sounds like a booster problem or a proportioning valve problem.
The abs system is a TEVES Mark 2. Both the orange abs light is on and the red brake light are on. Just changed out electronic brake control module.
The black ball on the master cylinder is a pressure accumulator. It is probably shot. However, try these test. (1) with the hood up in a quiet place turn on the ignition but do not start the car. Listen for the booster pump running. when it stops or if it is not running when you turn on the ignition. press the brake pedal. Does the pump start? press the pedal several times...does the pump start? (2) if the booster pump does not turn on after you push the pedal several time. the problem is probably the pump...to verify, unplug the power connection on the back of the pump and apply 12 v directly....if the pump runs, then the problem is either the relay or pressure switch. (3) back at #1 if the pump starts when you press the pedal, and runs for awhile, it is probably the accumulator (black ball) the accumulator is easy to change, it just unscrews. But turn the ignition OFF and pump the pedal until it is hard before unscrewing the accumulator. (4) If the pump runs with 12 volts applied, unplug the connector at the pressure switch and if it is moist, it is bad.
