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Need help diagnosing a brake problem...

Old Mar 2, 2004 | 09:07 AM
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Default Need help diagnosing a brake problem...

Mods, this isn't specifically C5, but I do think it's pertinent to the Tech section.

Did a brake job this weekend (pads, fluid), and afterwards I was bedding them in and I got into a situation where the brakes would apply fairly hard, but then additional pedal pressure just caused the pedal to smoothly go down to the floor, and no additional braking force was applied.

The car braked smoothly, in a straight line, so I don't think I had a problem with ballooning brake lines. No ABS on the car, so I'm thinking this is a master cylinder problem.

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks, and have a good one,
Mike
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 09:12 AM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (VetteDrmr)

Master cylinder is recycling... replace it.

VR :cheers:
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 09:35 AM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (vetterdstr)

Thanks for the confirmation.

Have a good one,
Mike
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 11:15 AM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (VetteDrmr)

Did you bleed the brake lines? Did you use the correct procedure to bleed them? I did a brake job on a newer honda but bled the brakes in the old sequence RR, LR, RF, LF, and ended up with spongey brakes. Turns out the honda had a diagonally opposed braking system where I was supposed to bleed RR, LF, LR, RF. Symptoms were similar to what you are describing. I think around 2001 a lot of manufacturers switched to this system.

If you bled them properly I have to agree that it is the master cylinder. If you put a new master on, be sure to bench bleed it or you will never get all the air out.
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 06:43 PM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (Jeff Jeff)

Jeff,

I don't think that the sequence is that important on this car, since it doesn't have an ABS system. I did bleed them in the old sequence, but the owner of the car told me he was having this problem before I did the work. So, I'm leaning towards the master cylinder as well.

Thanks, and have a good one,
Mike
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 07:43 PM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (VetteDrmr)

I'm inclined to agree with vetterdstr. Sounds like the master cylinder is bypassing internally. BTW, if it has enough wear to be doing this, you might want to consider the calipers too. Especially if they have the same mileage. It would not be the first time I have seen or heard of someone replacing a master cylinder only to start having caliper(s) leaking next. JMHO

Robert :)
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Old Mar 2, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (LoneStarFRC)

:iagree: If you are sure that your bleed all of the air out then I am voting on a shot master cylindar as well. Might as well replace the calipers while you are at it. Good luck :thumbs:
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Old Mar 3, 2004 | 09:05 AM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (jeremytsi)

Thanks again for all the replies, it's a good feeling to get a strong consensus on where to look next at figuring out a problem. :thumbs:

I'll let y'all know what the final outcome is.

Have a good one,
Mike
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Old Mar 3, 2004 | 04:44 PM
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Default Re: Need help diagnosing a brake problem... (VetteDrmr)

Thanks again for all the replies, it's a good feeling to get a strong consensus on where to look next at figuring out a problem. :thumbs:

I'll let y'all know what the final outcome is.

Have a good one,
Mike
:thumbs: No problemo! :thumbs: Let us know what you find, my hardtop brother. :)

Robert


[Modified by LoneStarFRC, 3:44 PM 3/3/2004]
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