92 Brake Problems
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
92 Brake Problems
Hey guys,
I've got a 92 regular brake coupe. No big brake option on this car.
Recently, the brakes have started to behave strangly
. The pedal is suddenly very soft. The travel is longer as well. The pedal won't pump up. The brakes still work and the car stops just as quickly as before (which was horrible)
In the last year I've replaced:
Master cylinder (with one from EBAY...questionable)
vacuum booster (with the metal one from that hotrod website)
brake fluid
pads (Hawk HPS)
rotors (slotted)
I've bled the system twice. There is no fluid leaks that I have found.
The change in pedal feel was very sudden - like something snapped.
Any idea where to look first?
Is there anything that can pop in the ABS module? Is my master cylinder bad (OMG are those expensive
)
I've got a 92 regular brake coupe. No big brake option on this car.
Recently, the brakes have started to behave strangly
. The pedal is suddenly very soft. The travel is longer as well. The pedal won't pump up. The brakes still work and the car stops just as quickly as before (which was horrible)In the last year I've replaced:
Master cylinder (with one from EBAY...questionable)
vacuum booster (with the metal one from that hotrod website)
brake fluid
pads (Hawk HPS)
rotors (slotted)
I've bled the system twice. There is no fluid leaks that I have found.
The change in pedal feel was very sudden - like something snapped.
Any idea where to look first?Is there anything that can pop in the ABS module? Is my master cylinder bad (OMG are those expensive
)
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,487
Likes: 25
From: USA. Northern Virginia
The only times I'v had a brake pedal go soft on me was when the master cyl went...or if I boiled the fluid while on the track....getting into too many corners too hot and standing on the brakes.
A mis-match of brake fluid can lead to a long pedal also
A mis-match of brake fluid can lead to a long pedal also
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I have a similar problem and have done similar things with no change. Have my own posts going to. My pedal is soft also and can go full travel. I can just rally feel it start to grab when it gets to floor. I assume you bench bled the master before installation and then cracked the fittings for final air evacuation. I have done basically everything you have except for the booster (mine is OK with tons of power).
When your foot goes down, the fluid has to go somewhere (my theory) and that is what has to be fixed. Fluid does not compress and pistons in the calipers only move a small amount.
Just this week I have ordered SS flex brake lines. I don’t see a flex line problem but that might not mean anything. It is last on the list other than the ABS pump assembly which I also bought one this week on Ebay. I hope the flex lines fixes me, I do not want to change the ABS.
I have flushed, power bleed my system, back bled and all the other normal bleeding routines. If there was that much air in the system I would have got some of it out but there has been no change at all. So I am moving forward the next level. I would suppose it is possible you could have a bad flex line also.
I was always worried about the ABS doing something strange that I couldn’t see or troubleshoot normally. There are seals in the ABS so I have been told. A shop asked me if I had any ABS codes (module 9), you just might want to check yours.
If you pedal wont pump up and does not sink when you hold your foot on it, then the master is probably OK, same as me, I got a GM part.
Will let you know if I make progress.
When your foot goes down, the fluid has to go somewhere (my theory) and that is what has to be fixed. Fluid does not compress and pistons in the calipers only move a small amount.
Just this week I have ordered SS flex brake lines. I don’t see a flex line problem but that might not mean anything. It is last on the list other than the ABS pump assembly which I also bought one this week on Ebay. I hope the flex lines fixes me, I do not want to change the ABS.
I have flushed, power bleed my system, back bled and all the other normal bleeding routines. If there was that much air in the system I would have got some of it out but there has been no change at all. So I am moving forward the next level. I would suppose it is possible you could have a bad flex line also.
I was always worried about the ABS doing something strange that I couldn’t see or troubleshoot normally. There are seals in the ABS so I have been told. A shop asked me if I had any ABS codes (module 9), you just might want to check yours.
If you pedal wont pump up and does not sink when you hold your foot on it, then the master is probably OK, same as me, I got a GM part.
Will let you know if I make progress.
Last edited by pcolt94; Jun 22, 2006 at 12:07 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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What about the brake bias spring? Have you replaced it?
A brake bias spring will transfer some braking power to the rear (the stock setup is forward bias for understeer and safety) which does work at the limit... but be careful setting up in a corner after hard braking.
I've heard many C4 owners rave about the differing swapping out the brake bias spring made in their cars.
A brake bias spring will transfer some braking power to the rear (the stock setup is forward bias for understeer and safety) which does work at the limit... but be careful setting up in a corner after hard braking.
I've heard many C4 owners rave about the differing swapping out the brake bias spring made in their cars.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Originally Posted by onedef92
What about the brake bias spring? Have you replaced it?
A brake bias spring will transfer some braking power to the rear (the stock setup is forward bias for understeer and safety) which does work at the limit... but be careful setting up in a corner after hard braking.
I've heard many C4 owners rave about the differing swapping out the brake bias spring made in their cars.
A brake bias spring will transfer some braking power to the rear (the stock setup is forward bias for understeer and safety) which does work at the limit... but be careful setting up in a corner after hard braking.
I've heard many C4 owners rave about the differing swapping out the brake bias spring made in their cars.
The brakes on this car have been terrible since the word go.... I'm going to bleed the brakes this weekend before I start buying expensive parts.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Originally Posted by pcolt94
I have a similar problem and have done similar things with no change. Have my own posts going to. My pedal is soft also and can go full travel. I can just rally feel it start to grab when it gets to floor. I assume you bench bled the master before installation and then cracked the fittings for final air evacuation. I have done basically everything you have except for the booster (mine is OK with tons of power).
When your foot goes down, the fluid has to go somewhere (my theory) and that is what has to be fixed. Fluid does not compress and pistons in the calipers only move a small amount.
Just this week I have ordered SS flex brake lines. I don’t see a flex line problem but that might not mean anything. It is last on the list other than the ABS pump assembly which I also bought one this week on Ebay. I hope the flex lines fixes me, I do not want to change the ABS.
I have flushed, power bleed my system, back bled and all the other normal bleeding routines. If there was that much air in the system I would have got some of it out but there has been no change at all. So I am moving forward the next level. I would suppose it is possible you could have a bad flex line also.
I was always worried about the ABS doing something strange that I couldn’t see or troubleshoot normally. There are seals in the ABS so I have been told. A shop asked me if I had any ABS codes (module 9), you just might want to check yours.
If you pedal wont pump up and does not sink when you hold your foot on it, then the master is probably OK, same as me, I got a GM part.
Will let you know if I make progress.
When your foot goes down, the fluid has to go somewhere (my theory) and that is what has to be fixed. Fluid does not compress and pistons in the calipers only move a small amount.
Just this week I have ordered SS flex brake lines. I don’t see a flex line problem but that might not mean anything. It is last on the list other than the ABS pump assembly which I also bought one this week on Ebay. I hope the flex lines fixes me, I do not want to change the ABS.
I have flushed, power bleed my system, back bled and all the other normal bleeding routines. If there was that much air in the system I would have got some of it out but there has been no change at all. So I am moving forward the next level. I would suppose it is possible you could have a bad flex line also.
I was always worried about the ABS doing something strange that I couldn’t see or troubleshoot normally. There are seals in the ABS so I have been told. A shop asked me if I had any ABS codes (module 9), you just might want to check yours.
If you pedal wont pump up and does not sink when you hold your foot on it, then the master is probably OK, same as me, I got a GM part.
Will let you know if I make progress.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Did a brake flush with valvoline synthetic. no bubbles. no change. I think it's the master. I even tried extending the push rod from the end of the booster a couple turns... no difference.
Anyone tried the rebuilt units at Napa? it's like $100 vs the $350 over at fred beans.
Anyone tried the rebuilt units at Napa? it's like $100 vs the $350 over at fred beans.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Check out this Ebay site for a master, it may be of interest to you. I got mine here and have done other business with her also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93...temZ8071062138
I just put SS flex brake line on this weekend with no change in performance. I am now looking at the ABS real hard. As you ask, can the ABS pop. I don’t know yet but focusing on that now. It will be a very strange fix if it turns out to be it.
I hope if you change your master again you have better luck than me and get it fixed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93...temZ8071062138
I just put SS flex brake line on this weekend with no change in performance. I am now looking at the ABS real hard. As you ask, can the ABS pop. I don’t know yet but focusing on that now. It will be a very strange fix if it turns out to be it.
I hope if you change your master again you have better luck than me and get it fixed.
Last edited by pcolt94; Jun 27, 2006 at 10:11 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Originally Posted by pcolt94
Check out this Ebay site for a master, it may be of interest to you. I got mine here and have done other business with her also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93...temZ8071062138
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93...temZ8071062138
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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Originally Posted by Da Mail Man
.......for the record, i am not casting any dispersions by my last statement.....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 4
From: Tracy CA
Yup - I'm replacing an ebay purchase from last year. I am that beware buyer. No thanks!
I'm looking at a rebuilt lifetime guarantee unit from Kragen. If it don't work - then another one for free....
I'm looking at a rebuilt lifetime guarantee unit from Kragen. If it don't work - then another one for free....
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: chicago Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06
Hi,
Always thought that when the pedal keeps going down, when at a stop, bad master. Hope that is not the case. Also tired of buying stuff at NAPA. Bought plug wires last week, one too short. A friend bought a rear end, slightly too short. Ruined other parts. Other stories also. The end result is save money and buy good stuff in the first place. No dealer connections, just experience. Say no to NAPA.
All the best, lbreen
Always thought that when the pedal keeps going down, when at a stop, bad master. Hope that is not the case. Also tired of buying stuff at NAPA. Bought plug wires last week, one too short. A friend bought a rear end, slightly too short. Ruined other parts. Other stories also. The end result is save money and buy good stuff in the first place. No dealer connections, just experience. Say no to NAPA.
All the best, lbreen
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Originally Posted by lbreen
Hi,
Always thought that when the pedal keeps going down, when at a stop, bad master. Hope that is not the case. Also tired of buying stuff at NAPA. Bought plug wires last week, one too short. A friend bought a rear end, slightly too short. Ruined other parts. Other stories also. The end result is save money and buy good stuff in the first place. No dealer connections, just experience. Say no to NAPA.
All the best, lbreen
Always thought that when the pedal keeps going down, when at a stop, bad master. Hope that is not the case. Also tired of buying stuff at NAPA. Bought plug wires last week, one too short. A friend bought a rear end, slightly too short. Ruined other parts. Other stories also. The end result is save money and buy good stuff in the first place. No dealer connections, just experience. Say no to NAPA.
All the best, lbreen
