Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes

Brakes are very weak

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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 10:06 PM
  #1  
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From: South Cali, Glendale
Unhappy Brakes are very weak

the brakes...don't brake all that well, in fact i have to almost push my foot down to the floor with the pedal to stop the car. Either the brake lines need replacement or i need new rotors, brake pads, and the correct brake fluid. Also...one of my front tires...makes this reeeealy awkward weep weep weep weep noise. Like...every full rotation of the tire creates that sound. Ya know...it gets faster and louder as you speed up. But i'm just saying this out of driving it only once, going home. I can't drive the car since it isn't registered or insured, but I can take a video of it and maybe you guys can help me out?
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 10:17 PM
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Master Cylinder is my first guess.

-Max
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 01:44 AM
  #3  
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I'd say try doing a full fluid flush first, you may just have some air bubbles in the lines, also having fresh fluid is always a good thing. As for the noise check that there's no stones or anything stuck in the rotor vents, or stuck between the rotor and the dust shield, and that the dust shild itself isn't rubbing on the rotor.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 06:51 AM
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Start first with the simple things, brake pads and rotors, if either of these is worn down you will have poor braking or good breaking whichever way you want to look at it. If the brake pads are badly worn down there is a metal strip on most pads that will start rubbing the rotor and making a squeak each time it hits the rotor, if this is causing your noise then the pads should be replaced immediately. If the rotors are worn past their minimal, safe thickness, then they don't have the mass to build up the required heat and friction to stop the car, they will also easily warp from the heat buildup. A warped rotor will give you the once a rotation noise you are getting. These problems are the most likely from what you have described and usually are the easiest to fix.

You also probably need to flush your brake fluid and replace it with fresh fluid, this is recommended every 2 years. And I would also check your braking system Master Cylinder. If the brakes feel mushy or you have some luck at pumping the brake pedal and building up some pressure or feel the pressure slowly "leak" away as you press the pedal then you need to rebuild the MC or replace it. Also check your brake fluid level and make sure it is at the proper level.

Last edited by GTUser; Nov 19, 2004 at 06:53 AM.
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 02:04 PM
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what kind of tires are u running? Tires also play a huge factor on stopping capability
Edwin
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 07:29 PM
  #6  
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Well...when i brake, the pedal goes down easily...almost with ease....i think my MS has gone bad...but...how do I do a brake fluid flush? How do I bleed them?
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 07:32 PM
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Search..
Not to hard..
If your pedal is going pretty close to the floor look at how much pads you have left.
Replace them.. Check the pistons on the calipers for free movement and leaks. If those are good flush the system with new brake fluid and get all the air out.
If you still have a low pedal it could be your secondary seals inside your master cylinder leaking. Either rebuild it or buy a new remanufactured one.

Odds are you probably just have alot of air in your system.

Last edited by SAiamNE; Nov 27, 2004 at 07:34 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2004 | 11:12 PM
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++) purchase a pressure bleeder.

++) jack up car on four jack stands

++) remove four wheels

++) removed old brake fluid with a turkey baster etc...

++) fill Master Cylinder with new brake fluid.

++) fill pressure bleeder with new brake fluid.

++) attach pressure bleed to master cylinder

++) pump pressure bleed to around 10 to 15psi

++) with a clear hose attached to caliper bleed screw, place hose into a clear jar.

( start with the brake caliper furthest from
the master cylinder and work your to the
brake caliper that is closest to the master
cylinder)

++) crack up each brake caliper screw one
at time until you see no more air bubbles in
the clear hose
( it is very important that you do not run out
of brake fluid in the master cylinder or you
will have to start all over again.)
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Old Nov 29, 2004 | 07:08 AM
  #9  
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Originally Posted by racerx7

++) with a clear hose attached to caliper bleed screw, place hose into a clear jar.
Racerx7 pretty much covers bleeding air out of the system, just make sure you have a couple inches of clean fluid in the jar when you place your bleeder tube in the jar and always keep the end of the bleeder tube in the brake fluid. This will make sure you do not suck air back up into the brake system.

If you can't find a pressure bleeder, or build your own, you will have to have a buddy who can depress the brake pedal when the bleeder valve is open and release it when you close the bleeder valve.
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