Really dumb brake question...

[Morpheus]

This morning on the way to work my brakes were "squishy/soft" lots of play in the pedal,i checked My brake fluid and it was a little below the "min" mark. do this mean I have air in the lines? of course im going to fill it up at lunch but will that return them to normal or will I have to bleed them?

 

[Silly_me]

As your pads wear your brake fluid will go down. If you top off the fluid remember to siphon it out before you change your pads next.

FWIW I've never liked the landie's brake pedal feel

 

[stevenr]

Check/change your pads before you fill the reservoir. If your pads still have a lot of life, then you may have a leak somewhere. Low fluid level is a pretty good indication that your pads are wearing out.

-Steven

 

[Morpheus]

I know that I have a leak in my caliper and im looking for a replacement as I write this. I noticed it this morning so I think thats where my fluid is going. the pads are fine,i juts did them recently.

 

[Chris-St Louis]

This morning on the way to work my brakes were "squishy/soft" lots of play in the pedal,i checked My brake fluid and it was a little below the "min" mark. do this mean I have air in the lines? of course im going to fill it up at lunch but will that return them to normal or will I have to bleed them?

I know that I have a leak in my caliper and im looking for a replacement as I write this.

Yeah, that could be your soft pedal!


Its likely sucking air through that caliper. Looks like you answered your own question.

 

[Morpheus]

Yeah, that could be your soft pedal!


Its likely sucking air through that caliper. Looks like you answered your own question.

So basically im screwed till i replace that caliper? SHould I be driving it?

 

[Chris-St Louis]

So basically im screwed till i replace that caliper? SHould I be driving it?

The safest answer is to not drive it. But, since your pilot in command, you have to make that call.

When you push the brake pedal, you are moving fluid from one area to another. Since you have a leak, it is being pushed past that leak. Then when you release the pedal, the displaced fluid is replaced with air.

It is going to get worse, and untill you fix the leak, you'll be fighting yourself when you bleed it.

Order a new caliper today.

http://www.roversnorth.com/RRD04/RRD04_57_60/RRD04_page58.htm

 

[RWF]

Why not rebuild the caliper yourself? Not a rocket science job.

 

[Morpheus]

Why not rebuild the caliper yourself? Not a rocket science job.

Hadnt thought about it. is there an article on how to do it??

 

[Chris-St Louis]

Bruce,

Rebuilding a caliper can get ugly. If this is your daily driver and time is important, replacing rather then rebuilding may be your best bet.

 

[Morpheus]

Bruce,

Rebuilding a caliper can get ugly. If this is your daily driver and time is important, replacing rather then rebuilding may be your best bet.

really? I read slot of posts on how easy it is........ Im assuming that when you replact you just unbolt the old...bolt on the new and bleed the lines?

 

[Chris-St Louis]

If you try it, have someone around you that has done it before. My first concern is a apprentice I had that smashed his hand because he was certain that "You dont need wood....." like I told him.

A rebuilt is bolt on and go. If it doesn't work there is a warranty.

It can be easy, but experiance is going to help.

 

[Morpheus]

If you try it, have someone around you that has done it before. My first concern is a apprentice I had that smashed his hand because he was certain that "You dont need wood....." like I told him.

A rebuilt is bolt on and go. If it doesn't work there is a warranty.

It can be easy, but experiance is going to help.

It appears that its just the piston seals that need to be replaced. is that what were referring too??

 

[p m]

if the cylinder walls are pitted, there's more to it.

 

[Chris-St Louis]

It appears that its just the piston seals that need to be replaced. is that what were referring too??

You need to remove the pisions with compressed air, and it can be DANGEROUS (note big letters to get the point across)

You use a piece of wood to "Catch" the piston when it comes out, and it DOES come out.

If your going to try this for the first time, Get a manual and read it. Internet advise isn't going to cut it. Get a book, read it, and get a friend who has done it before to look over your shoulder.

It can be can be dangerous to do, and if done incorrectly can make the car dangerous.

 

[Morpheus]

You need to remove the pisions with compressed air, and it can be DANGEROUS (note big letters to get the point across)

You use a piece of wood to "Catch" the piston when it comes out, and it DOES come out.

If your going to try this for the first time, Get a manual and read it. Internet advise isn't going to cut it. Get a book, read it, and get a friend who has done it before to look over your shoulder.

It can be can be dangerous to do, and if done incorrectly can make the car dangerous.

You know what....screw it Ill just get a reman one! seems easier

 

[Chris-St Louis]

Thats the safest way.

 

[Morpheus]

Thats the safest way.

Im not "new" to working on vehicles but Ilike to do my homework before starting something.

 

[Chris-St Louis]

Hell, I've been a mechanic for a paycheck for more then half my life and I haven't rebuilt a caliper in 10 years....More then that likely.

Its quicker, has a warranty and safer to use a rebuilt one. I'm some someone is going to have something smart to say, but to me, if a good replacement is avalible....Why bother?

 

[Morpheus]

well if one can be rebuilt for $20-$40 and will work well. Thats better than spending $200 on a new or rebuilt one I think..They are expensive