2000 pathfinder - brake problems

[twobone]

I'm trying to keep my winter beater on the road.

There was a split in the rear brake line which I had fixed at a local shop. It no longer leaks brake fluid, but the pedal now has to be pushed practically to the floor.

Before I take it back to the shop, I'd like some ideas of where the problem could be. How do power braked work? It feels like there is no booster working. If I pump the brakes they form up. Could the low fluid have broken the brake booster?

Is it just air in the lines?

Thanks for your insights.

[mattdavis11]

After the repair, the tech might not have gotten all the air out of the lines. Bleed them again starting with the wheel farthest away from the master cylinder and work you way around the car to the closest.

If you pedal still is not firm, the I suspect there has been damage to the master cylinder and it needs to be replaced. Did the reservoir run dry?

[onewhippedpuppy]

I think Matt nailed it. Ask if they pressure bleed their brakes, the old fashioned method of pumping the pedal and having another guy open the bleed screw isn't foolproof and can damage your master cylinder.

[twobone]

Yes, I think the master cylinder likely went close to dry.

I will ask them to bleed it again

Hopefully the master cylinder is not toast