I have some problems with the brakes on my '90 Accord. The brake pedal does not 'engage' unless you push it in very deep. Also, it feels like the car does not want to stop completely.
I replaced my brake pads and discs, but the problem remains. I also renewed the oil.

Anyone knows what the problem is? Please help me!

 

Was the system bled properly ?
Is it letting air in ?
Is it leaking anywhere ?

 

The system was bled properly, and no leaks have been found. When the oil in the ABS system was changed, there was a lot of foam on it. The dealer first suspected that the ABS-pump was defect, but later on he said the pump was fine. Can there be a correlation between a problem with ABS and the fact that the brake pedal is too deep?

 

Based on the limited amount of information presented here...I suspect that your master cylinder is going out...specifically the outlet orifice area... (all this considering the age of the car...over 10 years old)...

Have them check your master cylinder...if the orifice jet is loose or leaking, then you will have to put the pedal down a lot farther to get the car to stop, even then, it may not stop/slow down safely. Before getting into the master cylinder, have them measure line pressure at the caliper...if it doesn't pass a pressure leak-down test, your master cylinder is fried...

Try this on a hill (downhill) in a safe area with NO CARS AROUND...apply the brake pedal so the car doesn't roll down the hill...keep that same pedal pressure and wait 10-15 seconds...does the car start to roll forward? If so...you need to fix the master cylinder asap...

Andie

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CarbotechAndie
[B]Try this on a hill (downhill) in a safe area with NO CARS AROUND...apply the brake pedal so the car doesn't roll down the hill...keep that same pedal pressure and wait 10-15 seconds...does the car start to roll forward?

 

Ah, yes! But of course! :-)

Thanks, Jim...

Andie

 

The car had this sort of problem before it went to the dealer; when I stopped at a traffic light, I had to put more and more pressure on the brake pedal to hold the car stopped. I tried your test Andie, and now (after the car went to the dealer) this problem has disappeared. But I still have to push the brake pedal deep until my brakes 'engage'.

 

I would ask the dealer what exactly what they replaced and/or repaired. If they repaired the master cylinder, perhaps they overlooked something. This sounds like a hydraulic issue, and I think it is centered around the master cylinder.

I would still have them measure line pressure at the caliper.

Good luck,

Andie