braking system gurus please help (non dsm)

[bugdoubt]

Ok here is my problem It started to snow so i need to put my talon away for the winter. Well my beater's brakes are jacked. And I have to fix them in the next two days

1989 nissan maxima non abs
symptoms:
-one day justed lost all braking going 40 mph...i pumped the brake pedal and finally my front left wheel locked(whew!!!!)
-now if i pump the pedal the car will brake but it's the same front left wheel only (i know cause it locks)
-with the car turned off the brake pedal is firm
-With the car turned ON, the pedal goes straight to the floorand requires pumping to build up a firm pedal(momentarily)

any suggestions where to look first?

it has a booster, basically just looking for tips to start eliminating possibilities due to my time crunch

thanks in advance to anyone that helps.

bug

 

[TODD DA HUSTLA]

check the right caliper for leaks.....see if the piston boot has any rips....put brake fluid in right..start the car....pump the brake if it keeps falling to the floor....ur loosin fluid somewhere...jus look under the car for fluid.in the wheels n shyt...

 

[97GSTURBO]

Bleed all 4 wheels!

 

[bugdoubt]

thanks for the suggestions.....on day 2....have bled all the wheels....problem still remains....siezed caliper???????

 

[Aarontsiawd]

Check to make sure your brake booster has a good vacuum line attached and that it's not pinched or has popped off. Also check to see if the booster will hold vacuum. If the rubber membrane inside has a hole in it, it cannot boost your braking pressures.
Aaron

 

[bugdoubt]

roger that I'm looking into it tommorrow...thanks

 

[TaLoNBLiNGBLiNG]

More than likely, based on your description, you have a bad seal in the brake master cylinder. Plus, brake vacuum boosters are supposed to be firm when the car is off because the engine is not producing any vacuum for the booster. perfectly normal on that aspect.

 

[bugdoubt]

bling- as far as the booster goes should it(brake pedal) get all mushy when the car is started or is thi ssymptom not related to the booster?

thanks

this is really helping

 

[TaLoNBLiNGBLiNG]

The pedal will be firm when the car is off. if you hold your foot on the brake when you start the car, the pedal will depress slightly - perfectly normal. it's supposed to do that.