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Re: Grabbing Brakes

To: Philip Hubbard <phubbard@carroll.com>
Subject: Re: Grabbing Brakes
From: Barney Gaylord <barneymg@ntsource.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 1998 23:08:12
At 08:41 PM 7/11/98 -0400, Philip Hubbard wrote:
>
>.... I have only driven the car a total of about 1 mile since installation
of the brakes.  I've been afraid to drive more because when I stopped after
just a 2 minute run to the grocery store, the rotors were =extremely= hot
on both sides.  Seems like I might do some real damage if I keep driving. ....

Whoa right there!  You didn't mention that symptom the first time around.
This problem does not fix itself.  Fresh rebuilt calipers and new hoses,
and still both brakes are dragging severely.  Most likely the problem is
with the master cylinder, with the fluid return being blocked when the
pedal is released.

It could be a mechanical problem where the push rod is not releasing all
the way.  Your brake pedal should have a bit of free play at the top of the
stroke where you can push the pedal a little with one finger.  With the
pedal released and fully up, check the push rod at the master cylinder.  It
should be a little loose so you can wiggle it a bit with your fingers.  If
it's snug in there, you probably have the problem in hand, as the MC piston
is likely not retracting all the way to allow the fluid to return.

Safety First,

Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude


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