Do I have a bad Master Cylinder?

Asked by Mike Mar 09, 2016 at 08:20 AM about the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan ES AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When putting the 99 Dodge Grand Caravan in drive the front breaks act
like they dont want to release. I have already replaced the brakes, rotors,
and calipers on both sides. The hoses look fine. No cracks or leaks. It still
does the same thing and now its getting worse. Yesterday my wife came
home and they were smoking badly. She said the brakes were squeaking
and grabbing real bad. Can anyone help shed some light on what this may
be. My guess is thew Master Cylinder. Just want some other input before i
go blowing money I dont have. Thanks

1 Answer

345

Sometimes the flexible hoses attached to the calipers develope an internal separation that will cause syntoms like this. A bad master cylinder can do the same thing. Usually the flexible hoses fail one at a time causing the car to pull to one side under braking, so I would look at that master cylinder first.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Whitney C
    Reputation
    3,680
  • #2
    timof5
    Reputation
    3,670
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    2,780
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler Town & Country
6 Great Deals out of 115 listings starting at $4,990
Used Toyota Sienna
42 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $3,900
Used Honda Odyssey
26 Great Deals out of 946 listings starting at $4,999
Used Dodge Durango
53 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $5,500
Used Dodge Caravan
1 listing
Used Ford Explorer
69 Great Deals out of 2,065 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
323 Great Deals out of 15,226 listings starting at $3,295
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
15 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Suburban
9 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $1,497

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.