olds alero

[pearly8]

My son found a 1999 olds alero gls in great shape with only 88,000 mi.

He says it runs great, but the brake pedal seems "hard"; very little play before engaging.

I had an alero I loved, but can't remember if the pedal was quick like that.

Is that typical of these cars?

Any other things to beware of?

[Eric]

My son found a 1999 olds alero gls in great shape with only 88,000 mi.

He says it runs great, but the brake pedal seems "hard"; very little play before engaging.

I had an alero I loved, but can't remember if the pedal was quick like that.

Is that typical of these cars?

Any other things to beware of?

The brakes on that car are not unique to the Alero; probably the same basic system (common parts) used on many same-year (and era) GM cars.

So, normal diagnostic procedures apply.

It may be that the booster is not working properly. The main thing I'd be concerned about, though, is whether the ABS system (and the ABS pump in particular) is in good order. How does the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir look? If it's dark brown I'd be worried about whether it was flushed/replaced "per the book." If it wasn't you may be facing some expensive brake work....

[pearly8]

Thanks.

He's talking with a mechanic today.