brake binding problem

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x_atlas0

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Just in time for the vintage, my coupe has decide to throw me a curve ball. I was diving it today around Atlanta and I noticed it was slightly pulling to the left on braking, and it was getting progressively worse. Then, after stopping off somewhere for an hour or so, I had to drive back home. As I neared home, it started dragging on the left, then pulling to the right on braking.

The calipers were rebuilt a few years back. I have noticed the brake fluid warning light intermittently before this, but the fluid level was always well above the minimum mark. I am running ATE Super Blue.

Any hints where to check once they cool down?
 
Brakes pull to the right

then check the left side.

For me, all I had to do was pry the pads a little back, remove and carefully clean the backs, sand the fronts, then clean where the pads rest along with the pins. The pads have to be free to retract. Mud, water, pebbles, rust, gives rise to them sticking.

You can set up a dial indicator on the rotor to check for warpage, but youu didn't say that there was a pulse.

Drop in fluid- I'd flush it first. besides air fluid builds up water. If it made it all the way back to the resevoir and burst or evaporated you may not see it. If you've got a glass container or test tube, draw a bit. Shake it and see what happens. If it turns a little milky- you know what to do.
 
I like to pull the pads and slowly incrementally apply the brakes- look for sticky pistons.
That said- sounds like like the shaft is sticking in your master cylinder.
 
Are your soft lines old?

If so, they may have swelled, allowing fluid to go in but not immediately return.
 
Pulled the pads, the front right had blued part of the rotor. The lower piston was not fully retracting. Considering this caliper was rebuilt a few years back, but was sparsely driven, could it need another rebuild?
 
I just replaced the pistons and seals in a rear caliper that was sticking. There was very little contamination in the piston bores, but enough to make the piston stick. I rebuilt the rear calipers about 5 years ago for the same sticking piston problem. Yes, I do periodically replace the brake fluid.
 
I use a sharp pick in the o-ring recess to remove any junk and never shy with the syl-glide.
This after buying 4 sets of defective calipers from world PAC a few years ago.
Bastards were restocking the returned items...
 
I really think there is value to coating the seals and pistons with ATE brake paste when replacing seals, not just using brake fluid and this is the reason why. All that keeps the piston/pad off that rotor is the minute amount of flex 'bounce back' from the seal and the paste will keep it fresh for years.
 
I've had a similar problem as well since we put my car back together 4 years ago. Rebuilt calipers, new pads,new hoses,fresh fluid.

Car brakes very nicely for city driving. But at highway speed if I ( ram the brakes ) the car will shoot out either left or right !

I believe it veers out about 3 feet ,its a very scary feeling ! Don't drive my car car much and haven't had a chance to look further into it .

Here's a thread that might help answer a few questions.


http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7711&highlight=veers+sharply


Good Luck
 
G said:
I've had a similar problem as well since we put my car back together 4 years ago. Rebuilt calipers, new pads,new hoses,fresh fluid.

Car brakes very nicely for city driving. But at highway speed if I ( ram the brakes ) the car will shoot out either left or right !

I believe it veers out about 3 feet ,its a very scary feeling ! Don't drive my car car much and haven't had a chance to look further into it .

Here's a thread that might help answer a few questions.


http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7711&highlight=veers+sharply


Good Luck
Click to expand...

WHat condition are the steering and suspension bushings?
 
3 front soft lines had a flow block. According to the mechanic, should be fine now. Fingers crossed, given I'm driving it to the Vintage.
 
Funny this same thing just happened to me... I was bleeding the brakes Sunday and getting little to no flow from the back calipers. The rubber hoses look original. Also have been noticing that the rear wheels get dustier than the front ones from brake dust so there must be some light dragging of pads going on. I'll be replacing the lines and seals tonight and plan on driving to the Vintage Wednesday afternoon so this better work...
 
Nicad said:
WHat condition are the steering and suspension bushings?
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly all new suspension bushings. I do have too much play in my steering wheel, especially at higher speeds. While driving on the highway I can move the steering wheel about 2.5, 3 inches side to side before it actually does anything.
Going to try and tighten up the steering before looking elsewhere.
 
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