Brakes require extreme force and hissing/whirring when pressing pedal

[mahu]

Been having trouble figuring out what is going on with my brakes. 

 

I have noticed a hissing/buzzing/whirring sound when pressing the brake pedal for a few weeks. It seems to be coming from somewhere behind the brake pad area, I can clearly hear it. The pedal also does not firm up when pressing it multiple times with the ignition off as I think it should. And it requires a lot of force to get any braking action to the point where my foot starts hurting after a dozen or so stop lights.

 

I think it might be the brake booster/vacuum cylinder?

 

Thanks for any input!

 

[Local Apparent Friday]

@mahuyah man.  Sounds like the booster is toast.