Brake problem
 

Okay, I've replaced all my brakes with new brakes and I still have a problem with them grabbing and then they let go after the car has been parked for awhile, does anybody know how to fix this problem what else do I have to replace.

Thanks in advance Jimbo.

Are you talking about your parking brake?

More information. What exactly did you replace? What do you mean they are grabbing? Do you mean they don't release when the pedal is released?

Okay when I step on the brake pedal It seems to grab alittle and then I have to give it alittle more gas to get it to go it will not coast forward more than 10 feet when I let my foot of the gas from 5 miles a hour I have bled the system twice and used new fluid both times, so what do you think it could be?

You might have a sticky brake return spring in your pedal cluster, or something else worn. After you've pressed the brake, can you pull the brake pedal up with your foot? Does that release the brakes a little?

I had that problem, and then got the cluster rebuilt by Pelican.

I'll try that tomorrow and see what happens.

Thanks

it sounds like your lines (rubber hoses) - did you replace them??

what rubber hose I have steel braided lines, do you mean from the master cyclinder?

Do you guys think it might be the type of fluid I used dot-3 instaed of dot-4?

No

Try putting the edge of your left shoe behind the brake pedal and pull back on it - and hold it that way for awhile while you drive it. If the situation improves, it means the actuation rod from the brake pedal to the master cylinder doesn't have the 1 milimeter clearance required. That COULD be caused from bushings in the padal assembly binding. I know if that rod doesn't have enough clearance, it will tap on the master cylinder through vibration and tighten the brake system up. In some cases the brakes will totally bind up and bring the car to a halt. This may not be it, but I'd try it. ;)

Thank you guys for all the info it helps when you have other options to try rather than just reading a book that has minor info.

it ain't the rubber hoses then. ;)

but what you described is a classic symptom of collasped lines.

i wouldn't think the fluid type would make that much difference - guys????

other than the pedal issues, could it be master cylinder??

how were they before the rebuild, and what exactly have you done in the rebuild....????

Well before the new brakes they worked great, but after sitting out in the backyard for 2 two years and a not on blocks just on the tires alone they did not work as well so I replaced them with the new ones that's when the problem started, like I said it just happens when I step on them for that split second and walla grabby brakes until I stop and then after awhile they don't grab anymore. So it might be the rod to the master cyclinder maybe it needs adjustment does anyone know how that's done or do I need to take it to a mechanic>

Jimbo2

Jimbo,

Sure would be nice to know what year the car is ...

Sounds like a pre-77 if you have a pushrod from pedal to master cylinder ... and the clearance should be 1.00 mm from master cylinder piston to the pushrod. It sounds like you have zero or negative clearance, now, and that could be causing the dragging problem.

A rebuild of the pedal cluster is probably overdue! Pelican has a replacement bushing set.

Thanks, it's a 77 targa and your probably right so how much and is it hard?