Philip, All that you should have to do is loosen the bleeder. If the
brake on that corner loosens up, the problem is hydraulics (master
cylinder, rubber hose, etc.). If the brake is still locked, you should
rebuild the caliper or wheel cylinder. If more than one corner has
locked brakes, it is probably the master cylinder. The probability of
two calipers failing at the same time with the same symptoms is pretty
remote (unless a beer drinking buddy worked on them the night before or
the car has been sitting for a long time). If you suspect the master
cylinder, make sure that the pedal is returning all of the way and that
there is free play at the push rod before you overhaul the cylinder. If
you pull the clevis pin on the master cylinder push rod and the brakes
free up, the problem is lack of free play between the rod and the piston
in the master cylinder. If you worked on the front suspension, check to
make sure that you didn't put a kink the flex lines when you put the
front end back together. If I were a betting person, I would bet on the
master cylinder. - Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Hubbard [mailto:phubbard@carroll.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 1998 11:45 PM
To: spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Brakes - Confused
Now I =am= confused.
Following list advice, I decided to try and see if my brakes locking on
and
staying locked was a problem with my flexible hoses. I was told to
loosen
the connection and if the brakes unlocked, the problem was in my hoses.
I went to the car to test. On a whim I decided to depress the brake
pedal
before loosening the flexible hose. The pedal went almost to the floor
several times and then seemed to build up pressure and was firm. It has
never done that before. Last time I was driving (seems many moons ago)
brakes seemed fine. Ok, now to check the brakes. Both front brakes are
locked on solid.
I loosened the driver's side hose at the chassis until it started
weeping
fluid. No change in the locked on status of my brake. Tightened it
back
up to stop the leak. Was this not enough of a test? Should I have
loosened the connection as I did and then loosen the connection at the
brake caliper to fairly test it?
BTW, brake fluid level seemed to be high, but I swear there was a pile
of
deposits in the resevoir. Could some of this gunk be blocking my lines
somewhere? What to do now? Bleed the system dry and flush it somehow?
I'm starting to doubt it is my flexible hoses and is something more
general.
I never noticed a problem until I started doing the front suspension.
How
frustrating. Any advice is welcome and appreciated greatly.
Philip
Burgundy 1974 Midget
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