1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Under heavy braking the pedal seems to travel excessively?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-14-09, 01:09 PM
  #1  
Environmentally-Hostile

Thread Starter
 
Starfox07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Under heavy braking the pedal seems to travel excessively?

When I'm driving my car, I've noticed that under heavy braking, the pedal goes pretty far down. Fluid level is fine, pads are fine, and the rotors are new. Is this just something that occurs on the stock brakes? I don't think its fade because its not like I overuse the brake. Perhaps the 25 year old rubber brake lines are a little worn. Are SS lines a good upgrade?
Old 11-14-09, 02:38 PM
  #2  
Jolly Green Giant

iTrader: (1)
 
DarrenTRS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Does it engage normally then as you keep the same pressure slowly begin to sink? It could either be that you just need to flush out the lines with some new fluid or your master is beginning to leak back into the resivoir. Check all the rubber lines for any leaks or buldging as that is a sign of some real wear and tear and could possibly rupture.
Old 11-14-09, 04:50 PM
  #3  
the torquinator

iTrader: (1)
 
theNeanderthol's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Mine used to do that and it did turn out to be the brake master cylinder. So that is my guess. I don't think that bulging brake lines would cause THAT much extra pedal travel, I may be wrong.
Old 11-14-09, 08:14 PM
  #4  
Environmentally-Hostile

Thread Starter
 
Starfox07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Anyway to check the master cylinder?
Old 11-14-09, 08:49 PM
  #5  
Lives on the Forum

iTrader: (13)
 
Rx-7Doctor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Oregon
Posts: 10,584
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
1) Pull the master cylinder and check for leakage at the back.

2). If you are parked with the engine running and you apply pressure to the brake pedal and keep the pressure there, if the pedal starts to slowly go down towards the floor board then the master is failing.




Originally Posted by Starfox07
Anyway to check the master cylinder?
Old 11-14-09, 09:01 PM
  #6  
My 7 is my girlfriend.

iTrader: (5)
 
orion84gsl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I would absolutely recommend upgrading your lines to braided ss. They do wonders for pedal feel. No more mushy inconsistent pedal travel, and it will hold the brake pedal in the perfect spot for heel toe downshifting. Will definitely improve your confidence in your car's braking ability.
Old 11-15-09, 12:13 AM
  #7  
Lapping = Fapping

iTrader: (13)
 
Jeff20B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 15,725
Received 70 Likes on 64 Posts
How about a master cylinder brace? Ask hyper4mance2k. He said it made the biggest difference.
Old 11-15-09, 01:21 AM
  #8  
Environmentally-Hostile

Thread Starter
 
Starfox07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm going to check the brakes tomorrow. If it was just air in the lines, that would make the pedal feel spongy, no? There is no spongyness, just a little soft under heavy braking.
Old 11-15-09, 07:14 PM
  #9  
Environmentally-Hostile

Thread Starter
 
Starfox07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I did the 'driveway test' with the car running and firm pressure on the brakes. Pedal stayed solid. When it does it during braking, its not excessive, just a little longer than usual. I think its the lines.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
09-16-18 07:16 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
09-15-15 04:45 PM
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
0
09-07-15 10:21 PM
Tem120
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
09-07-15 09:53 AM
Frisky Arab
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
5
09-04-15 06:17 PM



Quick Reply: Under heavy braking the pedal seems to travel excessively?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:23 PM.