Do my 2004 Camry brakes need fixed?

Maintenance/Repairs
1

(I feel like I’ve asked about this before, but I can’t find it with search. Apologies if I’m repeating. And if I am repeating, maybe it indicates that I’m getting closer to hoping the kids take away my car keys.)

I have two symptoms that I think indicate repair is needed, but I want to check with you experts.

  1. Braking gently to a stop, just before stopping I feel a sudden small reduction of braking force and a small increase (I think) in engine RPM (like when the AC compressor turns off), and I need to push the brake pedal a bit harder. The car always stops ok. I do not notice this when braking hard. (It’s been happening for a few years. I don’t remember if it ever did definitely not happen.)

  2. A few weeks ago, something prompted me to check for leaking cylinders (master or wheel). With the engine idling, when I press ■■■■■■■ the brake pedal the pedal goes (sort-of) slowly to the floor. With the pedal to the floor and the car in Drive, the brakes hold against moderately revved-up engine (left foot on brake, right foot on accelerator). For the 18 years that I’ve had the car the brake pedal never had a “sharp” grab that I can remember. OTOH when driving some other family cars (a Nissan, a Honda) I felt that the brakes grabbed much more sharply.

2

To determine if the brakes require servicing, the tires must be removed so a visual inspection can be performed.

What you feel doesn’t really provide an indication of the condition of the brakes.

Tester

3

Thanks. Topic title should have said “brake system”. In particular, for safety I’m concerned about the soft pedal going to the floor (even though the brakes seem to hold).

4

Yes, you need to have a good brake shop look at this problem before you have a failure and cause damage or injury because you ignored this .

5

If you have not had the brake fluid replaced, that can affect how well the brakes grab. However, the pedal going to the floor suggests a problem with th3 master cylinder. Likely needs replacing. You can have it all done at the same time by a good shop or dealer.

6

Volvo – Thanks. I suspected that, particularly the over-soft brake pedal. I drive only about 8K miles per year, almost entirely local suburban. Never been in a situation where I would have seen that until I was prompted to test it.

7

Bing – Thank you, too.

All – Monday morning I’ll be scheduling the car into the shop. I guess I was looking for confirmation and psychological support.