 Sweet WitchBe the flame, not the moth.Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey | [Help] 2001 Mercury Sable brake pressure fluctuating Well, that about covers it. No visible leaks anywhere.
Master cylinder? What's the expected repair time (hours)?
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
 BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL | How do you know the brake pressure is changing? Can you please describe the symptoms you are experiencing more completely please?
Are you experiencing a pulsing brake pedal? Or maybe vibration(s) when braking? |
|
Sweet WitchBe the flame, not the moth.Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey | Sometimes the pedal is normal but more and more it's going further and further down before engaging. Just now it engages then depresses to the floor. Pumping will return the pressure. No pulsing or vibrating.
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL
1 edit | Ok, then I misunderstood your original post. In that case, then it could be the master cylinder. Could possibly be the power booster, but I think that to be unlikely. My advice is to have it checked by a reputable mechanic. Brakes are not something you want to have fail on you, or to have a half-assed repair done on.
Have you checked the brake fluid level?
Does the brake light come on?
Is the antilock (ABS) light on? |
|
Sweet WitchBe the flame, not the moth.Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey | Sorry 
It's taking the weekend off until I can drop it off Monday morning. I had my brakes fail on me once in my 1971 Carolla. I had to use the hand brake and gears to get it to the mechanic - impossible in this car! I never screw with the brakes!
Fluid leaks very very slowly.
No lights at all.
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
| reply to Sweet Witch
Air in the system would cause the what you are seeing too. |
|
BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL | reply to Sweet Witch
said by Sweet Witch:Sorry
It's taking the weekend off until I can drop it off Monday morning. I had my brakes fail on me once in my 1971 Carolla. I had to use the hand brake and gears to get it to the mechanic - impossible in this car! I never screw with the brakes!
Fluid leaks very very slowly.
No lights at all.
If it leaks at all, you may have a defective caliper or wheel cylinder. You may have gotten air in the line which could cause such symptoms. Other parts that could be leaking are the proportioning valve (if equipped) or even a line or line connection that has rusted thin. It really needs to be inspected by a qualified individual.
--
There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.
Robert A. Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
|
|
|
|
Sweet WitchBe the flame, not the moth.Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey | Got the report - the entire rear brake system is locked up. F*ed Over Road Disaster is right! Never again!!!!!!!!!!
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
 Doctor OldsI Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
kudos:18 | said by Sweet Witch:Got the report - the entire rear brake system is locked up.
That is no diagnosis I've ever heard from a car that drives. A locked up brake system (front or rear) means the vehicle will not move at all and requires a tow.
Sounds like it is time for a second opinion to me.
--
What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time? |
|
Sweet WitchBe the flame, not the moth.Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey | Ok, the report was from the secretary who's boobs are bigger than her brain. Her English isn't so good either.
I stopped by when I went out and spoke to the mechanic myself while the beastie was on the lift. One caliper was leaking and partially seized. The shoes on that side were worn very unevenly with one end about 1/4" thick and the other almost to the metal. They changed out the calipers, shoes and drums (both sides) for $300 and it's driving much better now. Like someone finally fully released the emergency brake.
They also buffed out my headlights so now they're clear, not seriously opaque like before. That saved me a chunk of money 
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
