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390 messages, Last post on Oct 31, 2009 at 11:59 AM

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What is this discussion about? Brakes, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, Van

This topic will hopefully allow the more knowledgable of our community members share what they know with those seeking a good explanation for "how things work" in a car; or, this is a good place for equally knowledgable people to discuss the finer points of a technology.

Outline

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#386 of 390 Re: Brakes start fine, then start dragging progessively worse [kiawah] by kbc6313 Jun 04, 2009 (4:10 pm)
Replying to: kiawah (Jun 04, 2009 1:32 am) Thanks, but I have looked into both the rotors and calipers. If it was just one or even two different wheels, I would think the calipers could be the issue. I have had those go bad on other vehicles in the past. The fact that I can recreate the problem and they always work fine for a short while then they all fail at the same rate tells me that one of the major components must be failing. That is only a logical guess, but it does not seem to be related to one or two of the wheels and their components. Replies to this message: kiawah (Jun 04, 2009 4:40 pm) bolivar (Jun 04, 2009 10:47 pm) kbc6313 (Jun 05, 2009 5:34 pm) srs_49 (Oct 31, 2009 11:59 am)
#387 of 390 Re: Brakes start fine, then start dragging progessively worse [kbc6313] by kiawah Jun 04, 2009 (4:40 pm)
Replying to: kbc6313 (Jun 04, 2009 4:10 pm) Well okay. If you have moisture and crud in the hydraulic, you could easily have multiple calipers failing. They'll turn when they are cold, but as they're driven they'll heat up the rotor which will expand, and they'll drag more and more. The more they drag, the hotter they get, the tighter they get. You haven't indicated that you've done previous maintenance of flushing hydraulics or replacing calipers, so for a vehicle as old as that is.....those calipers would be my first suspect. Compare the color of the hydraulic fluid with new clear fluid. Calipers are a simple change, and you need to start with the basics Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
#388 of 390 Re: Brakes start fine, then start dragging progessively worse [kbc6313] by bolivar Jun 04, 2009 (10:47 pm)
Replying to: kbc6313 (Jun 04, 2009 4:10 pm) If all 4 wheels are having a problem at the same time, I also feel there is a problem upstream from the wheels. Like the ABS system is completely screwed up. Is there a Check Engine Light turned on? If so, have you checked the code? Or, is the Brake Light turned on, or some warning regarding the brake system? On some cars, the ABS braking system is a separate 'code setting' system from the main Check Engine Light, and sometimes even has a separate plug to access the codes. Replies to this message: kbc6313 (Jun 05, 2009 5:34 pm) srs_49 (Oct 31, 2009 11:59 am)
#389 of 390 Re: Brakes start fine, then start dragging progessively worse [bolivar] by kbc6313 Jun 05, 2009 (5:34 pm)
Replying to: bolivar (Jun 04, 2009 10:47 pm) I do not have any ABS or warning lights of any kind. The more I think about it, I am leaning towards the booster. The fact that the pedal decreases in travel at the same time the pressure is also being applied to the calipers makes it appear that I have an increasing pressure issue. I stuck piston in the master cylinder could cause the brakes to drag, but I would not think it would also affect the brake pedal pressure. I am definitely far from an expert or I would know the problem. That is why I am seeing if anyone else has experienced such a thing before. I know that as everything heats up the issue will just get worse, but it is never driven long once the dragging is initially felt, It gets progressivly worse very quickly once it starts and is somewhat intermittent at first. I can re-create it more quickly now. I haven't fluhed the system and I will do that jsut because it can't hurt anything and is probably not a bad idea in this case. If anyone has anyone has any more thoughts, I am always willing to learn. Thanks Replies to this message: srs_49 (Oct 31, 2009 11:59 am)
#390 of 390 Re: Brakes start fine, then start dragging progessively worse [kbc6313] by srs_49 Oct 31, 2009 (11:59 am)
Replying to: kbc6313 (Jun 05, 2009 5:34 pm) Brake booster or master cylinder. Are you sure all 4 wheels are dragging or locking up? A corroded caliper piston (I had one of those) may not allow the brake pad to retract from the disc, but that would keep the brakes on 2 of the 4 wheels pressurized. Same thing for a caliper slide or corroded surface the caliper slides on. Yes, you should flush the system. But if something has already been corroded, flushing will probably not fix the problem.