Fading brake pedal

[Steelcity]

I have a fading brake pedal or sponge pedal when I apply the brakes easy/normal but if I give them a quick pump before I brake the pedal acts normal and feels good. I went ahead and bled the brakes and no difference. Would a brake pad that is not seated correctly cause this ? This has been going on for about a couple of weeks or so and seems to be getting worse. Also I am not loosing any fluid. Could it be a bad master cylinder < I am used to the old days of when they fail it goes straight to the floor. Brake pads have alot of meat on them, fluid is not low. 03 Van has about 170,000 miles on it.

 

[melsg5]

Sounds more like the master is starting to go. How clean does the fluid look in the master? You could try to siphon as much fluid as possible from the master and putting in fresh fluid. The fresh fluid may help the seals in the master hold pressure.

 

[Steelcity]

The brake fluid looks like black motor oil. Perhaps a little cleaner now that i had tried bleeding the brakes. Had to add a total of 16 ounces. I guess i will order a master cylinder from rockauto.

 

[melsg5]

That sounds like the rubber seals have gone south. You could also try rebuiding it.