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).]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
