Brake Problems
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Brake Problems
I don't even think my rear brakes are working??? Braking seems very poor, almost hard to lock-up and seems like it's only the front that lock-up. The little brake light is always on and I've tried and tried bleeding my brakes. Sometimes after the bleed the light will go off but then it comes back. At first it will light up when I really mash on the brakes and then soon it stays on.
I just pulled my rear wheels off for some other repairs and I noticed that I could depress the pads in a little (towards the caliper, away from rotor).
I was thinking maybe there is either still some are in the line, my proportioning valve is bad or both rear calipers are toasted (hope it's not the latter).
Any ideas?????? :(
I just pulled my rear wheels off for some other repairs and I noticed that I could depress the pads in a little (towards the caliper, away from rotor).
I was thinking maybe there is either still some are in the line, my proportioning valve is bad or both rear calipers are toasted (hope it's not the latter).
Any ideas?????? :(
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA, USA
Re: Brake Problems (tshort)
Well, the fact that your little light keeps coming on and you have no brakes tends to make me think it's not your pressure differential switch (the thing you're calling a proportioning valve).
First, I'd ask you how you are bleeding - are you manual, surge, or vacuum bleeding. Vacuum bleeding doesn't always work well, particularly on C3 brakes, because you're pulling rather than pushing on the seals.
If it's not your bleeding technique, I'd suspect you either have a problem with the calipers (seals may be shot) or an internal leak in the MC. Do you see any evidence of leakage around any of the calipers?
And of course, you could have a leak somewhere in your brake lines, although that's fairly rare.
Check these things out and get back with some more info, and maybe we can help you pinpoint your problem.
First, I'd ask you how you are bleeding - are you manual, surge, or vacuum bleeding. Vacuum bleeding doesn't always work well, particularly on C3 brakes, because you're pulling rather than pushing on the seals.
If it's not your bleeding technique, I'd suspect you either have a problem with the calipers (seals may be shot) or an internal leak in the MC. Do you see any evidence of leakage around any of the calipers?
And of course, you could have a leak somewhere in your brake lines, although that's fairly rare.
Check these things out and get back with some more info, and maybe we can help you pinpoint your problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,376
Likes: 4
From: Hershey, PA, USA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
Re: Brake Problems (tshort)
I am having this same problem tshort. I bought a brake seal rebuild kit for the rear. I am planning on putting them on w/ in the next 2 weeks if they come. I will let ya know it this works.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: Brake Problems (lyonsh)
I bleed the old manual way, pressure up, open the bleed, close, pressure up, open bleed, close, etc.
I haven't noticed any leaking fluid anywhere...near the master cylinder or on or near the calipers.
What happens when the pressure differential switch goes bad?
I haven't noticed any leaking fluid anywhere...near the master cylinder or on or near the calipers.
What happens when the pressure differential switch goes bad?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,056
Likes: 40
From: Life is Messy, Bring a mop
Re: Brake Problems (tshort)
Sounds like either a pinched line back to the rear or a bad master cylinder (leaking internally). When you bleed the rear are you getting good flow out when you open the bleed valve? If so, I'd suspect the master cylinder. It may seal well enought to pump out fluid when the bleed is open but leaks past the seals internally when the bleed is closed and it has to build pressure.
Not sure how to check that, Anyone?
P.S.
If it pumps out fluid (at the rear) the proportioning valve is ok. :yesnod:
Good Luck, I just had tons-o-fun with mine and still have to replace my rt. frt. caliper.
Not sure how to check that, Anyone?
P.S.
If it pumps out fluid (at the rear) the proportioning valve is ok. :yesnod:
Good Luck, I just had tons-o-fun with mine and still have to replace my rt. frt. caliper.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Kristiansand
Re: Brake Problems (tshort)
DCBStingray: Sorry, as long as your reservoir isn't empty replacing the seals wont help.
The way to fix this problem is getting runout within spec and use the correct bleeding procedure.
I have an article about this in the tech section at my page.
The way to fix this problem is getting runout within spec and use the correct bleeding procedure.
I have an article about this in the tech section at my page.
