We have a 1989 mercury tracer with 71,000 miles that we put quite a bit of work into, last November.
Most of it involved the brake system, which was made out of rust.
All new lines, new front calipers, new front rotors, new wheel bearings all the way around, new rear wheel cylinders, and new parking brake cables.
I got to be good friends with an acetylene torch, to get some of these things apart
Anyway!
My sister was the primary driver, and she had noted maybe once... twice... the pedal would go to the floor all of a sudden. Release and tap it again, and it works.
I've recently started driving it to work for fuel economy, and what do you know, it does it to me, too.
It's happening more and more frequently and is, of course, a touch worrisome.
Our brake work in November was immaculate, and there are no external leaks. The soft pedal does not happen at the end of long hills or in hard/emergency braking: it happens any time, even the first moment you tap it. Not consistent with classic brake fade from say an air bubble or hydrated fluid.
We are wondering if this HAS to be the master cylinder, if there is ANY other possibility?
We are wondering if the proportioning valve (rear drum system) has any valving that could bleed pressure internally, as well?
And finally, not to overlook it,
I have little knowledge of manual transmissions, and this is a manual car.
I've heard that some clutches use brake fluid to actuate. Could this influence the brake pedal going to the floor?
Just want to cover my options; though it really does seem we need a master cylinder, and no other possibility.
Most of it involved the brake system, which was made out of rust.
All new lines, new front calipers, new front rotors, new wheel bearings all the way around, new rear wheel cylinders, and new parking brake cables.
I got to be good friends with an acetylene torch, to get some of these things apart
Anyway!
My sister was the primary driver, and she had noted maybe once... twice... the pedal would go to the floor all of a sudden. Release and tap it again, and it works.
I've recently started driving it to work for fuel economy, and what do you know, it does it to me, too.
It's happening more and more frequently and is, of course, a touch worrisome.
Our brake work in November was immaculate, and there are no external leaks. The soft pedal does not happen at the end of long hills or in hard/emergency braking: it happens any time, even the first moment you tap it. Not consistent with classic brake fade from say an air bubble or hydrated fluid.
We are wondering if this HAS to be the master cylinder, if there is ANY other possibility?
We are wondering if the proportioning valve (rear drum system) has any valving that could bleed pressure internally, as well?
And finally, not to overlook it,
I have little knowledge of manual transmissions, and this is a manual car.
I've heard that some clutches use brake fluid to actuate. Could this influence the brake pedal going to the floor?
Just want to cover my options; though it really does seem we need a master cylinder, and no other possibility.