braking problems

[aleksander j]

i have a problem with my rear left break..

on slippery surface the wheel locks before the front do... + parking break light ignites when i break or running on high idle..

it`s damn so annoing.. can it be the break pads that are worn out or can it be air in the system..???????????????????????+++
pleaze help me.. 20 cm with white snow felt down this morning frown

 

[rangerj]

aleksanderj,

You may have an emergency brake cable that is not fully releasing. The cables get stuck in their housing due to corrosion. This is especially true when they are not used regularly.

If you find this to be the case, you can replace the cable or you can remove the cable and soak it in penetrating oil, kerosene, or diesel fuel, for several days. Do not use gasoline!

Work the cable back and forth in its housing numerous times each day, then let it soak some more. Do this until it works freely in the housing.

I offer this as an alternative to replacing the cable. If parts are easily accessable, and are not overly expensive where you live, then by all means replace the cable. Check your other cables while you are at it.

The other possible cause of your problem is a caliper piston that is sticking in its bore. If you find this to be the case, replace the caliper. The cost of parts to rebuild a caliper are as much, if not more, than a rebuilt caliper.

You need to address this problem as soon as possible. With one rear wheel locking up on a slippery road you have a very hazardous situation!

Did I read things right? You have a SHO in Norway?
Hope this helps, rangerj

 

[projectSHO89]

rangerj has addressed the mechanical problem you indicated, I will address the electrical side in regards to the BRAKE light.

The BRAKE light normally lights under two conditions:

1) The switch on the emergency brake pedal has closed due to activation. If it is not completely releasing, the switch may remain closed and keep the light on. To test this switch, unplug the single connector on the switch when the BRAKE light is on (when it shouldn't be). The light will go off if the switch is still activated due to an internal short, improper adjustment, or incomplete release of the e-brake pedal.

2) There is a float switch in the brake fluid reservoir that is supposed to come on when the fluid level is low. Check your fluid level, add more if low. If the fluid level is adequate, the problem may be due to a defective float switch. If the fluid level was low, you'd better check your pads for excessive wear or check for leaks.

This info pertains to an 89. If your's is a different year's model, there may be additional items to test.

Steve

 

[aleksander j]

well.. this morning my brakes froze.. had to drive 200 meters with a locked rear wheel..
can i use DOT4 fluid on the car.. on the filling cap it sais ONLY DOT3..
can it be the piston that`s stuck=???

 

[luigisho]

Yes as rangerj has stated it's most likely either a parking brake cable not disengaging or a bad piston in the brake caliper. When working on the rear brakes the piston needs to be turned while it's being depressed into the housing. There is a special tool for this.
If you have a faulty caliper a rebuilt one is the better route. To remove air from the system/bleed the brake lines, you need to apply some pressure to the rear wheels. This is usually done with a jack. There is a proportion valve that prevents the rear brakes from functioning fully unless there is weight in the rear of the vehicle.
Again, you must determine first if the cable or the caliper is the culprit and go from there.

<small>[ October 19, 2002, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: luigisho ]</small>

 

[aleksander j]

thanx for all the help..
i`m not so well known with mechanical stuff..
gettn wiser every day..

what about the DOD3-4 issue???

 

[LaTechSHO]

yes you can use dot 4 instead of dot 3.... the difference is the boiling point/flash point of the fluid..... and dot 4 is a better fluid.... just don't use dot 5... dot 5 is silicon based fluid and is not compatible with the rest of the system

Louis

 

[aleksander j]

now i have ordered a new old one..
hope it`ll work..
thnx SHOuls

 

[RStalveyARFF]

The sticking brake could also be a caliper bolt slider pin issue. These commonly get all rusted up and coroded and will freeze, not allowing the brake to move. One member on here had his car catch fire due to the extreme heat created. These pins are located between the caliper and the bracket it is bolted to. The bolts are screwed into these pins.

 

[SHODWN]

ant the reason they do that Erik is that the rubbers either have came loose or have a hole in them allowing the dirt.

So get new rubbers too.

or as Bugs says "Dont forget your rubbers"