yesterday everything was fine.

today the pedal goes almost to the floor (alot of travel) and then seems to catch and stop at the point the pedal gets almost to the floor. then at times it cathces and stops normally. then sometimes on the first press of the pedal it seems to catch alright but if i let up and then press again it goes almost to the floor.

also the van seems to have a strange 'ripple' feeling when I apply the brakes in the driveway now that i never noticed before.

also I noticed a click inside that I have never heard before (may not have been paying attention to the sound before may have always been there) when I press the brakes. it clicks when I press the pedal in park and it clicks when I let it back up. i guess that may be the solenoid that prevents you from shifting into gear if foot not on the brakes.

I have not replaced the brakes or done any work on it prior to the problem occuring. wife did add some fluid about a month ago.....due to pad wear I imagine.

can not find any leaks anywhere.
no brake warning light and no abs warning light. they come on when I start the van but go off so I know they work.

any ideas what may be the issue?

Thanks
2006 Grand caravan
4 wheel disc
abs

 

How low was it when your wife had to add fluid? Its possible air may have entered the system and if so you should bleed the braked right away. If you haven't had the brakes done yet you may have to, and that could be the reason for the ripple. On my wifes '05 they only lasted until 40kmi.

 

bled the lines and put in new fluid. still happening.
with van off I can pump up the pedal and it holds for 30 seconds without going down.

And when running and it goes to the floor,,,,it only goes close to the floor and then begins to apply the brakes.

 

Does sounds like air in the system. Did you bleed at all 4 locations and did you notice any air bubbles coming out? There is a sequence for bleeding. From Haynes Manual (lots of info on brakes in there) the sequence is left rear, right front, right rear, left front.
Always make sure there is fluid in the master cylinder reservoir to prevent air from entering the system while beeding.

 

ad master cylinder or brake booster, check to see if the vacuum lines are all hooked up to the booster. The booster is the big round black thing behind the master cylinder.