Another Brake Question...

[Uber-fanatic]

To preface, I am intending to replace the Master Cylinder due to pressure variations in brake pedal feel over the last few months, and it is the sole element that hasn't been replaced in the 'braking' chain (new lines, rotors, pads and calipers as of 10K miles ago).

That being said, I have had the bizarre experience over the last 2 weeks of the brake pedal not returning to it's original starting position...and the accompanying feeling of the calipers still applying pressure to the brake pads. Simply, I apply the brakes, the feel is good, the pressure is good, but they don't release when I take my foot off the brake, and the pedal doesn't return to its starting position (like I previously said). I then have to slide my right foot behind the brake pedal and pull it back into place which in turn seems to release the pressure on the pads.
The only reason I am posting this is because it strikes me as strange. I would understand if the pressure wasn't strong enough to 'spring' the back pedal back into the right position, but then I would also expect to have the other symptoms of failing pressure, like the pedal sinking all the way to the floor, and needing to be 'pumped back up', as it were. But recently, the 'feel' has been very reliable, yet the pistons won't let go until I yank the pedal back with my foot!

Just throwing this out there looking for confirmation that a MC failure would possibly be identified with something like the symptom I described...thanks in advance to anyone for your observations!

[JWest]

Sticking pedal bushings.

[pmason]

had something like this, my problem was the aluminum floor board I picked up was causing the pedal to hang up. So check the pedal cluster if you haven't already.

[Uber-fanatic]

Checked the bushings and they didn't seem to be the issue, but ordered a set just in case. I did clear out a considerable amount of debris that had found its way into the little trough that holds the axle for the pedal cluster. What I found funny was the piece of plywood that they used as a floor board with brake and clutch pedal cutouts...looks like something my 8 year old could conjure up in the garage with a table saw and a heat gun! Anyway, the brake pedal still doesn't POP back into place, but it's a lot better than it was, and I imagine that an MC replacement would make a world of difference at this point.

Thanks again for the suggestions though...I love PP Tech BBS!

[dshepp806]

Sure sounds cluster-related BUT,...I'm like you,..I started getting the old stuff out there,..a piece at a time.

As you stated: you intend to change out the MC so THAT's given' on the todo list. Just give that cluster a real good "going-over".


Best,

Doyle