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$1600.00 on brakes and dont stop

6 messages,  Last post on Mar 22, 2009 at 10:04 AM

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#1 of 6 $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop by oldsdad Feb 25, 2009 (11:45 am)
'93' Buick LeSabre) New rotors, pads,on all 4, calipers on rear, still doesnt stop. Mechanic says master cylinder is dripping fluid into pwer assist. replaced both to no avail. still almost went through light. any advise ?? Replies to this message: stephen987 (Feb 25, 2009 3:20 pm) imidazol97 (Feb 26, 2009 4:41 am) oldsdad (Mar 22, 2009 9:58 am) bob252 (Feb 28, 2009 12:04 pm) oldsdad (Mar 22, 2009 10:04 am)
#2 of 6 Re: $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop [oldsdad] by stephen987 Feb 25, 2009 (3:20 pm)
Replying to: oldsdad (Feb 25, 2009 11:45 am) Proportioning valve?
#3 of 6 Re: $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop [oldsdad] by imidazol97 Feb 26, 2009 (4:41 am)
Replying to: oldsdad (Feb 25, 2009 11:45 am) First, the rear has drum brakes; there is no caliper. What did they replace on the rear? They may have needed to replace the front rotors if you were getting pedal vibration because they were warped or deteriorated.   I'm not sure why the vacuum brake booster that helps the pedal push the master cylinder needed to be replaced. I can accept that the master cylinder needed replacement.   The proportioning valve might keep the rear from getting enough brake fluid pressure to operate the drums, but those help only very little in most stopping conditions. The fronts do most of the work because of the weight on the front wheels.   The ABS unit might be doing something wrong or not allowing pressure to flow. But I'd give that a very low possibility.   My thinking is about the recent stoplight incident. Did the pedal become hard and high like when you get in the car in the morning before you start it. Or in an open area with no other cars turn off the key to the OFF but no lock position while driving slowly and then press the brake pedal, then let up and press again. As you repeat this you'll use up the vacuum in the reservoir that was supposed to have been replaced. The brakes still work, but require lots more force to stop (like in the 40s and 50s without brake assist). See if the pedal begins to feel like during the stop attempt at the light. There might be a vacuum problem with your motor operating at lower vacuum because it's mechanically worn or with a leak in a hose to the booster from the manifold.   And a personal opinion of mine, I'd find another mechanic from a recommendation of a friend to check the car for you. I recall recently I took my newer car to have the tires rebalanced and rotated all paid for when I purchased my replacement Michelin tires. The mechanic instead took it on a test drive without permission. thendoing the the checks for other work they might do presented me an estimate for $700 to replace front rotors and pads and do rear pads all of which he showed me were supposed to be "thin as cardboard."   I replaced the front pads with quality GM ceramic and bought new rotors for the rear. His estimate for replacing parts not needed was about 3 times what it should cost. I go to another store in the chain of tire/repair stores and drive by 2 stores on the way where I'd had poor service. Some guys don't get about honesty and knowing what to do or suggesting going to the dealer and paying for analysis even if you don't get the work done.   Stopping the car is critical. Replies to this message: oldsdad (Mar 22, 2009 9:58 am)
#4 of 6 Re: $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop [oldsdad] by bob252 Feb 28, 2009 (12:04 pm)
Replying to: oldsdad (Feb 25, 2009 11:45 am) OK I'll try again, Check the front Brake HOSES.they get blocked up, have someone watch the calipers for movement while someone depresses the pedal, if there is no movement, then there is the problem, only the rear brakes are working, that is why it is hard to stop, the only problem here is the bleeders, if they are not frozen, then this is an inexpesive fix. If the master cyl has a bad bypass holding the pedal with pressure and it will drop to the floor, then you will need to replace it, (master cyl.) as for the leaking, well remove the bolts on the master and carefully pull it out to see if there is wetness, you do not have to completely remove it, but usually there is a loss of fluid with no other observed leaks..so go from there, Hope this helps. Replies to this message: oldsdad (Mar 22, 2009 10:04 am)
#5 of 6 Re: $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop [imidazol97] by oldsdad Mar 22, 2009 (9:58 am)
Replying to: imidazol97 (Feb 26, 2009 4:41 am) Sorry about the confusion. this is my fault! Although I consider myself an honest man, I thougt it would be less confusing to present my 93 Olds as a Buick as I cant seem to find any Olds Mechanics anymore. Big mistake huh? I apologize again. Yes there are discs on ther rear.The reason that the power assist had to be replaced was because the cylander was leaking into it. (as it was explained to me). The pedal can be layed into hard but bottoms out. like the peddal hits a wall and goes no more then slowly stops. I can see where this could be a problem if I ever have to lockem up or,, just stop for a reason fast. Thanks so much,,, John
#6 of 6 Re: $1600.00 on brakes and dont stop [bob252] by oldsdad Mar 22, 2009 (10:04 am)
Replying to: bob252 (Feb 28, 2009 12:04 pm) Replaced the Mater and pwer assist as well as the pads and calipewrs. haed two power flushes. mechanics dont know where to go. Thought about vaccum leaks but the car dosnt stop well even if you lay into it hard. the pedal hits a brick wall and can go no farther.seems to be a hydraulic problem to me but im no mechanic. If you lay into the peddal that hard then the power assist is no longer in play ... right? Thanks so mmuch,,, John

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