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View Full Version : Front Brakes Locked - Seeking Advice


ScottZ95ZR1
10-24-2024, 09:07 PM
Both front brakes locked up on my '92 and upon opening the right front caliper bleeder, both wheels freed up..... so I think this indicates I have a hydraulic issue verses mechanical problem within the brake calipers.

Brake hoses were upgraded to steel-braided lines back in '95 so these are not the old rubber hoses. And it seems very unlikely that both sides would fail at the same time. I think failed hoses are not my issue but I have ordered new stainless hoses from DRM.

I flushed brake fluid by pulling 2 quarts of fresh DOT-4 through system using a compressed air vacuum tool. After bleeding the calipers (RR, LR, RF, then LF) using same tool, I had good firm brake pedal that would hold for a couple minutes without softening. I put wheels back on car for short, neighborhood test drive.

Brake pedal remained firm (felt normal - GOOD!) and I felt ABS do self-test as car accelerated. Brakes felt and seemed to function perfectly at first.... but after applying brakes several times within short distance of about 100 yards, I felt brakes start dragging again so parked her. Both sides drag then lock up equally; the car never pulled to either side and brake light on DIC is not illuminated. At this point the pedal is hard (no longer just firm).

With key off I have hard pedal and when engine is started, I feel brake pedal soften a bit as expected. I think this indicates my Brake Booster is still good, so I next moved to the Brake Booster Check Valve. Unfortunately, the check valve appears to be good; I am only able to blow through intake end with no flow from booster side. I never thought I would be so bummed out by a suspected part testing good. 😊

I have sourced a new Master Cylinder but think I'd experience soft/spongy pedal if that was my problem.

Not sure where I focus next and welcome feedback/advice from the many here smarter than me......most everyone here qualifies!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mikey
10-24-2024, 10:01 PM
Maybe an issue with the ABS controller?

-=Jeff=-
10-24-2024, 11:14 PM
It sure I can offer anything yet, but wanted to say HI

ScottZ95ZR1
10-24-2024, 11:19 PM
OMG.

After chasing this for a month I think my floor mat was interfering with brake pedal travel. I hope to confirm (admit) this was my issue in the morning.

I should pay closer attention to FSM details. When I recover from the "why did I not find this sooner" humility I am feeling tonight I will at least have fresh brake fluid.....

ScottZ95ZR1
10-24-2024, 11:25 PM
It sure I can offer anything yet, but wanted to say HI

Howdy Jeff - hope all is well for you and your family. I hope to visit Chicago in the not too distant future and will reach out when that happens.

I retired two months ago so time to have fun!

Thomas ZR-1
10-25-2024, 05:55 AM
DOT3 is the correct fluid...not DOT4. DOT4 is chemical much more aggresive so the rubber seals in the master cylinder are swelling and so: system blocked. Release the 2 nuts that are connecting the master cylinder to the brake booster and you will see: the systems is unlocked again...but don`t try a test drive with an unfixed master cylinder.

ScottZ95ZR1
10-25-2024, 12:55 PM
[/QUOTE]=Thomas ZR-1;345680]DOT3 is the correct fluid...not DOT4. /QUOTE]

I understand DOT3 and DOT4 fluids to be glycol-based and compatible, with 4 having a bit higher boiling point. I think it is DOT5 that should not be used in our cars.

But I do understand you are correct that DOT3 is what's 'called for', and it is more than sufficient for cars not seeing track duty, which mine does not.

I also think you are correct that my master cylinder is the culprit and will replace it next.

Thanks very much for your feedback Thomas.

ScottZ95ZR1
10-25-2024, 02:32 PM
Bummer. Brakes locked up on second test-drive attempt.

First short trip everything seemed perfect. Two hours later I could not get out of driveway. I am perplexed.

ScottZ95ZR1
10-25-2024, 02:39 PM
Maybe an issue with the ABS controller?

Thanks Mikey. I don't have a clue but may be time for me to learn about ABS.

My plan is to replace Master Cylinder next. I do not have Tech 1 and think that will be needed if issue is with ABS

hotroddaddyo
10-25-2024, 07:39 PM
Any suspicion of the flexible brake lines at the master cylinder?

AlbanyBrian
10-25-2024, 10:13 PM
Sounds like what I experienced in my 85 track car one time. Now that car did not have ABS so I can?t say if the ABS can cause this. I replaced the MC and front lock up solved. I didn?t take the MC apart to see what happened, but the MC changed solved the problem for me.
Brian

ScottZ95ZR1
10-26-2024, 01:44 AM
Any suspicion of the flexible brake lines at the master cylinder?

Just finished bleeding and installing new OEM master cylinder.

I think those lines are okay at this point. As soon as I started loosening the front line I could feel the brakes let free. Good sign I hope - thanks!

ScottZ95ZR1
10-26-2024, 01:46 AM
Sounds like what I experienced in my 85 track car one time. Now that car did not have ABS so I can't say if the ABS can cause this. I replaced the MC and front lock up solved. I didn?t take the MC apart to see what happened, but the MC changed solved the problem for me.
Brian

Thanks Brian...reassuring for sure. Hope to get system bled at the wheels this weekend.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. Very much.

ScottZ95ZR1
10-27-2024, 06:54 PM
The new master cylinder resolved my issue.

Chili but sunny day for a nice drive - they sure like to run in the cold air!