I did a quick search and didn't find much in the way of my problem. So.....
First of all, the car has original brake equipment, and it is pre-88
To summarize...

Driving at rural highway speeds the passenger front caliper (i think) felt like it was sticking.
The strange part is that it would engage and disengage on its own.
After this began to occur, I'm heading home... caliper engages without warning again.
I tap the brakes a few times in an attempt to free it up.
...didnt work.
...2 minutes pass, and it stopped on its own.
upon reaching town I apply the brakes and the peddle was practically dead (no pressure in the line by the feel) accompanied by the "brake" idiot light on the instrument panel (downshifting to slow the car)
a couple of pumps, and I had a bit of braking.

The car is parked. (since last night)
I took a peek under it and at visible lines in the wheel wells on the way in after coming home from work.
No sign of fluid, or line issues at a glance.
Haven't been down to check the master cylinder etc.

I thought I'd ask here first to see if anyone had an immediate thought before I get too involved.
(the e-brake was off for the record )

The car is not my daily driver, so I'm not panicking, but I'm a little apprehensive about driving it to the shop as is.

Any input appreciated.

Could be a delaminated brake hose.

First check the brake fluid reservoir to see if it’s low. The warning light usually means unequal pressure between the front and rear systems.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Could be a delaminated brake hose.

You can practically bet if those are the original brake hoses, they need to be replaced, and the system flushed and bled. Remember the caliper behind the driver is farthest from the master cylinder, then the right rear, front right and drivers' front last. It's too risky to chance failure or fire from a inoperative or locking-up caliper.

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John DuRette
Custom 85 SE/86 GT
"Kinda makes you nostalgic for a Members Only jacket"

Reservoir checked out ok last week when I was in there (didnt get back to the car yet). The brake lines, I don't know if they are original or not, but they do look to be in good shape. ...but based on what you guys are saying, I think it would be wise to upgrade them anyway. What is recommended? Braided perhaps?

I'm at a loss to explain the caliper engaging on it's own though. ...any ideas what would cause that?

Thanks for the help... I'll be taking a closer look at it tomorrow night.

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I suggest braided stainless. You get better response and they'll last pretty much forever. IMHO, they also look lots better, not that that's of much concern.

my $0.02

-Michael

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"A guy know's he's in love when he loses interest in his car for a few days." -Tim Allen

He who dies with the most toys... still dies.


Check out my restoration!

Syme, if you don't have good experience with brakes, they are not something to learn on the job. Your life depends on them. Go see Pete. He is certified and won't rip you off.

Arn

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Could be a delaminated brake hose.

yup - my guess too - the rubber lines failing & trapping fluid

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Could be a delaminated brake hose.

Or a sticky caliper.. Mine did that when i first bought the car a few years ago. It stuck and released on the interstate on the way home with it.. Scary stuff.

2 new front calipers ( and new rotors as one was gone due to the dragging ) and it was good as new.

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: yup - my guess too - the rubber lines failing & trapping fluid

Ahhh... ok, that clears that up. I was trying to figure out what "delaminated" meant, but felt a bit inadequate for not knowing

Pull that caliper and check the pad anchors. A loose pad can drag enough to heat up the caliper. If you have line problems, that could not only boil the fluid but build enough pressure to make it feel like you pressed the pedal.

The fact you lost pressure and can't find a leak further indicates you boiled one or more calipers.

The system not only has to be bled but bled until fluid is clear as you can get it at all outlets. If you open any lines, bleed the line while its disconnected. If you replace hoses bleed thru them a little before connecting the caliper end.

The fact this went away by hitting the pedal is interesting... That could actually indicate that the MC or Combi valve block have problems blocking fluid return. If the front piston inside the MC doesn't return to full rest it can do just this sort of holding and dragging the pads.

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In the event that someone down the road suffers a similar problem (and uses the search feature ).... I just wanted to note the findings.

As it turns out, the "delaminated brake lines" as suggested, was the culprit. creating pressure to the caliper.
The master cylinder is in need of a rebuild as well.

Thanks to all for all the help.