Possible vacuum leak?

[halfbakedj14]

I'm having 2 issues which after reading the forums, I think might be related to a possible vacuum leak and wanted to get an opinion on it.

I have a 96 Eddie Bauer explorer v6

For about the last 3 months I have only been getting heat to blow through my dash board and not though the vents. Oddly, the back passenger seat heat vents in the middle console work. I've read that this is the default when there is a vacuum issue.

Last week I had to brake very hard on a snowy roads. Since then my brake warning light comes and goes. Yesterday I noticed my brake pedal goes almost completely to the floor, my car can brake but I have to push the pedal nearly to the floor. The pedal is very spongy feeling, when the car is off the brake pedal gives more resistance but when the car is on the resistance goes away.

Could both of these problems be related to a vacuum leak in my system? If so, how do I identify where the leak is coming from?

I'd appreciate any help I could get, thanks!

 

[dubbio]

the power break booster requires vacuum to operate so it goes to floor because engine vacuum is helping it. id check the brake fluid level and if its low theres a chance a seal on the master cyl failed and the fluid is leaking into the vacuum system thru the booster, possibly clogging other vacuum lines that operate other accessories.

i wouldnt expect the 2 issues are related, but it sounds like you may definately need fluid.

 

[morbid81]

Air in the system will cause the pedal to go to the floor as well, maybe possible you busted a brake line. A failed master cylinder will also exhibit same symptoms as well. As far as the air coming out the dash only there is a vac reservoir hidden behind the passenger wheel cover that has lines coming out of it that will break causing this condition. that be the first place id check