My breaks seem overly sharp and lock up at the slightest touch. I am not sure they are supposed to be that sharp. Anyone hve any ideas on how to check them and maybe know what the problem might be?

 

As far as I know, the brake booster drum has a valve that modulates the amount of help (that is, the vacuum level) you get when you step on the brake pedal. If that malfunctions, your servo is overly enthusiastic .. do you feel that the pedal "sinks" under the foot as if something were to pull it downwards?

Try disconnecting the vacuum hose from the brake booster (and plug the hose so you don't lose your vacuum) and check the brakes. Are they still so sharp? A normal car should now have terrible brakes, requiring you to push the light out of you when braking. BE CAREFUL WHILE TESTING THIS, THE BRAKES WILL BE A LOT WORSE THAN USUAL WITHOUT THE VACUUM ASSIST !!!

Let us know, this is an interesting one ...

 

That sounds like it could be the problem, where would I find the break booster drum as my husband is gonna take a look for me? Thanks

 

Open the engine compartment and look for the brake main cylinder on the driver's side. You can recognize it by the thin pipes (brake lines) coming out of it, as well as the brake fluid tank that sits atop of it. Between this unit and the firewall you will see a large, round box looking like a flat tin can - that's the booster. You should also see a vacuum line connected to it - that's the one you may want to disconnect in order to assess what's wrong with the brakes.

Take a look - the booster is the black flat cylinder right next to the firewall: Redirect Notice

Again, PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE BOOSTER DISCONNECTED: YOUR BRAKES ARE A LOT LESS EFFECTIVE WITHOUT THE BOOST, YOU HAVE TO PRESS THEM REALLY HARD TO STOP YOUR CAR !!!

HTH ... Good luck!