Hey guys I just did all my brakes replaced the rotors hoses hardlines pads and calipers with rebuilt. I know have some minor issues I could use some help with.
When i shift into reverse, it seems like the left rear parking brake is kicking on, even if i barely tap the brake pedal. Put it in drive and it lets up just fine.
And I have a slight shimmy braking at about 3 and only initially it goes away if I apply more pedal.
And I think I might have a vacuum leak issue, would this be affecting brake effort? Sometimes its instant sometimes I have to push down a bit.

What year Fiero? Stock brakes? How recently did you replace the rear calipers?

Concerning the apparent brake lockup in reverse: If your car is an '88, it sounds like the left-rear caliper upper attach bolt may be loose or missing. This is a well known problem with '88 Fieros.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 06-25-2010).]

It is an 88. I'm going to check for the bolt thanks.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: What year Fiero? Stock brakes? How recently did you replace the rear calipers? Concerning the apparent brake lockup in reverse: If your car is an '88, it sounds like the left-rear caliper upper attach bolt may be loose or missing. This is a well known problem with '88 Fieros.

Marvin can you please expand on this a bit, as I am currently doing all 4 brake caliper rebuilds and pads on my 88 I need to be up on this before it happens.

Thanks
Joe

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 06-25-2010).]

Yup caliper bolt fell out, I didnt use a torque wrench on them and guessed wrong.

N.B. This information is specific to '88 Fiero brakes only. Other years are different.

You absolutely MUST use a torque wrench and the proper T-55 torx bit! (74 ft-lb for the caliper attach bolts) Your safety and the safety of others is too important not to.

FWIW, I have never seen a properly torqued '88 caliper attach bolt loosen, and I use anti-seize compound on mine. As an alternative, some recommend that you use a drop of blue thread locker just to be sure, but thread locker is no substitute for a properly-used torque wrench.

Previously posted on PFF:



This one was on my Formula when I bought it. It obviously had been loose for some time (note the wear on the crest of the threads) but had not come completely out. A bolt worn like this one should never be reused. The other attach bolt on that same caliper (left rear) was completely gone.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 06-26-2010).]

quote Originally posted by josef644: Marvin can you please expand on this a bit, as I am currently doing all 4 brake caliper rebuilds and pads on my 88 I need to be up on this before it happens. Thanks Joe

Well the two bolts that you take off that hold the caliper in place have to be put back in, and they have to stay in for your brakes to work properly. Torque them for sure. Some recommend locktite. Make sure your threads are clean when installing so your actually torquing your bolts, not torquing rust.

quote Originally posted by josef644: Marvin can you please expand on this a bit, as I am currently doing all 4 brake caliper rebuilds and pads on my 88 I need to be up on this before it happens.

N.B. This information is specific to '88 Fiero brakes only. Other years are different.

This is apparently a common problem with all '88 Fieros. It usually seems to happen on the rears, but a few PFFers have reported the same problem with the '88 front calipers. As long as the old caliper attach bolts aren't worn or damaged, and you torque them correctly to 74 ft-lb using the proper T-55 torx bit, you should be fine. As stated above, I use anti-seize (not oil or grease!) on mine and always use a torque wrench, and I have never had one back off, but some recommend using blue thread locker. I do check them every time a wheel is off the car.

See:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...040223-2-043462.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...040223-1-035542.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...811-2-072352.html#p5
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060811-2-073191.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...070315-2-076670.html

There are a lot more threads on this topic in the PFF archives. Search is your friend.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 06-26-2010).]

Thanks Marvin . I just gave you another + for this 1988 brake tip. I will remove those from my car tomorrow and add some anti-sieze. It's on the roof now. I used a torque wrench and a T55, but no compound on the bolt.

Joe Crawford