My 89 FC's abs was removed when i bought it and its never really had a good pedal feel. Just wondering if the master cylinder needed to be changed to the non ABS unit? I've also heard that the 89 non ABS master cylinder is the same as the 89 ABS master cylinder. Is this correct?

While the cars running if i hit the brakes hard it will stop the car but then the pedal will get soft and go to the floor. If i softly press on the brakes it wont stop the car at all, the pedal will just go to the floor.

I was thinking that the internal seal might be stuffed as there's no signs of any leaks anywhere.

Any Idea's, Thanks

Dave

 

does the brake fluid disappear?

I would check your rubber brake lines to make sure they're in good shape.

and also check the area where the ABS was over ridden and make sure it isn't leaking.

 

as i mentioned, no leaks anywhere. Fluid stays at full.

 

Then it does sound like your master cylinder is on the way out. Change it out before it fails completely, there's nothing quite like having your MC die as you you're going down hill towards a stoplight...ask me how i know

 

yeah kind of thought it was that. All good cars off the road for a little anyway so ill do that this week.

BTW how do you know. lol

 

Lol, picture this...

coasting up an ever so gradual hill covering the brake, you get to the top of said hill and u see a stop light below. You gently apply gradually increasing pressure to the pedal (rolling forward the whole time of course) until you realize the pedal is on the floor and the car has shown no signs of slowing. The light is red, there is a van waiting, to the right ...palm tree, fire hydrant, light pole, palmtree...to the left...oncoming traffic and houses....

 

You chose the palm trees and fir hydrants?

 

Actually no. Fire hydrants, palm trees and light poles were all game enders.

I spotted a little side street in between two of the houses and tried to swerve across the oncoming lane to head down it and at least buy myself some time.....damn manual steering wasn't quick enough so I ended up over shooting the side street, and jumping the curb. When the tires hit the curb the manual rack ripped the steering wheel from my hands, and almost broke my finger when it spun around. I went into someone's front yard, and hit a 50 gal drum full of wood at which point I was slowed enough to use the e brake.

I then got out, walked a quater mile to class, and called a tow truck.

 

Dam, thats gotta suck.