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Spongy Brake Pedal & Brake Light Illuminated by no2pencil
Started on: 11-20-2013 08:55 AM
Replies: 7 (316 views)
Last post by: theogre on 11-21-2013 11:53 AM
no2pencil
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Report this Post11-20-2013 08:55 AM Click Here to See the Profile for no2pencilSend a Private Message to no2pencilEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
It's late November in Ohio, & it's time to get to working on that to-do list. First on that list is possibly leakly brakes. The last time I drove the car, the Brake Light didn't go off when I disengaged the e-brake. So I drove it up a hill, engaged the e-brake, & when I disengaged it rolled backwards. Carefully I drove the car home. Sometimes I'd have to pump the brakes, but often the felt spongy & without pressure.

What would be some of the first steps to investigating a potential brake leak? I've been reading about leaky calipers, & am going to look at those first.

[This message has been edited by no2pencil (edited 11-20-2013).]

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jaskispyder
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Report this Post11-20-2013 09:29 AM Click Here to See the Profile for jaskispyderSend a Private Message to jaskispyderEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Could just be a bad line. Check all the lines, look for wetness, or fill up the master cylinder and have someone pump and hold the pedal while you look for leaks under the car. Drive to an area with clean cement, or put cardboard under the car to help.
If this car was driven in salt, the lines will rust.
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no2pencil
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Report this Post11-20-2013 10:14 AM Click Here to See the Profile for no2pencilSend a Private Message to no2pencilEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
All of the brake lines are new, installed by myself & a friend. Calipers were installed by the Fiero Factory. I've never driven the car in the winter & I've owned it since '96. I do believe that the previous owner did though.

Thank you for your suggestions!
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Report this Post11-20-2013 10:24 AM Click Here to See the Profile for jaskispyderSend a Private Message to jaskispyderEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Are you losing fluid? If not, maybe the master cylinder is bad.
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James Bond 007
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Report this Post11-20-2013 10:43 AM Click Here to See the Profile for James Bond 007Send a Private Message to James Bond 007Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Might be the Brake Booster. No, I dont think its your e-brake, your e-brake probubley needs to be adjusted. Most likely air is in the system, so you may have a leak. Air can find its way into the system through a number of routes. When there is not enough brake fluid in the lines, the leftover space will be filled with air. A leak in the system can not only lead to fluid loss, but this same hole can allow air to enter the brakes. Air can also find its way in when you service or replace a part like a caliper.
The only way to remove air from the brake system is by bleeding the brakes. However, if done incorrectly, air will still be present and you'll need to repeat the process.
Air can find its way into the system through a number of routes. When there is not enough brake fluid in the lines, the leftover space will be filled with air. A leak in the system can not only lead to fluid loss, but this same hole can allow air to enter the brakes. Air can also find its way in when you service or replace a part like a caliper.You will need someone to help you with this project, a bottle of fresh of brake fluid, a turkey baster, some plastic tubing, a container to collect the old fluid, rags and rubber gloves. open up the brake fluid reservoir and use the baster to suck out all the liquid and as much sediment (if any) from the container. Be sure to wear gloves and other protective gear, as this fluid is corrosive. Clean it with a rag to remove any leftover particles.Im sure you know the rest of the procedure to bleed the brakes.
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Report this Post11-21-2013 09:02 AM Click Here to See the Profile for 2.5Send a Private Message to 2.5Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by no2pencil:

All of the brake lines are new, installed by myself & a friend. Calipers were installed by the Fiero Factory. I've never driven the car in the winter & I've owned it since '96. I do believe that the previous owner did though.

Thank you for your suggestions!


When, recently? Most likley you just have air in the lines and need them bled better.
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carbon
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Report this Post11-21-2013 09:58 AM Click Here to See the Profile for carbonSend a Private Message to carbonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
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theogre
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Report this Post11-21-2013 11:53 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by jaskispyder:
Are you losing fluid? If not, maybe the master cylinder is bad.

x2,
See my Cave, Brake Service

Pedal bleed can fail MC during or after done bleeding.

Booster will not cause this.

OE brakes or one of the "Upgrades?"
Some "upgrades" have problems, like Any caliper(s) w/ a tiny bit more pad clearance can cause brake problems.

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