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

335

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
    3,560
  • #1
    timof5
    Reputation
    3,560
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    2,770
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler Town & Country
7 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $3,900
Used Toyota Sienna
45 Great Deals out of 626 listings starting at $2,499
Used Honda Odyssey
28 Great Deals out of 829 listings starting at $2,495
Used Dodge Caravan
8 listings starting at $3,999
Used Dodge Durango
51 Great Deals out of 1,890 listings starting at $6,987
Used Ford Explorer
71 Great Deals out of 2,016 listings starting at $3,333
Used Ford F-150
336 Great Deals out of 13,399 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Chevrolet Suburban
10 Great Deals out of 546 listings starting at $10,950
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
13 Great Deals out of 847 listings starting at $698

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.