stoopid brake question

So I finally got the right shoes on Barchetta (so I've temporarily dubbed my bright red 91 OCC) and took her for a spin round the block. Couldn't do the proper burnout- slam on the brakes routine as I have a Bonny interior in the back and didn't want to get hit in the head by a seat or something.

So anyhoo, I did NOT crack into the brake lines during this axle seal repair (which after 2 days is dry!!!!!) I put the shoes on, spun the star wheel till the shoes were pretty tight (probably have gone a little more) and dropped it off the stands.

The pedal feels a little spongy and when I slam on the brakes as hard as I can, the brake light goes on and ding ding ding.
Checked the levels at the MC and they are topped off. I'm guessing I need to bleed 'em anyway but has anyone else seen this?

You are right, you probably need to bleed them some more. Check your fluid level too.

Some setups self adjust when you hit the brakes as you're backing up. Before you break the lines loose - jam the brakes HARD a couple times in reverse and see if that helps.

Bewber wrote:

Some setups self adjust when you hit the brakes as you're backing up. Before you break the lines loose - jam the brakes HARD a couple times in reverse and see if that helps.

Doesn't have to be that hard. Find someplace you can backup for a short distance and keep applying the brakes on and off. With the windows open you should be able to actually hear the rear brakes "click". When it stops clicking, the brakes are adjusted. Just make sure you are going fast enough to make the brakes work (2 or 3 MPH).

Bill

Fred Kiehl wrote:

You are right, you probably need to bleed them some more. Check your fluid level too.

I never opened the lines is where my semi-confusion comes from

Bewb & Bill, I did try backing up but didn't pump them, just backed down the street with my foot on the brake. It did seem better but not the firmness I'm used too.

I will try that some more tonight and report back. Bad part is I can't see out the back due to the bucket seats blocking my view (after all, she's b-body parts storage shed number 2 , Jade is shed #1, LOL)

Sprocket wrote:

Fred Kiehl wrote:

You are right, you probably need to bleed them some more. Check your fluid level too.

I never opened the lines is where my semi-confusion comes from

Bewb & Bill, I did try backing up but didn't pump them, just backed down the street with my foot on the brake. It did seem better but not the firmness I'm used too.

I will try that some more tonight and report back. Bad part is I can't see out the back due to the bucket seats blocking my view (after all, she's b-body parts storage shed number 2 , Jade is shed #1, LOL)

Your car doesn't have the rearview mirror option? I just do it in my driveway. The people next door already think I'm nuts so spending ten minutes driving up and down the laneway doesn't alarm them.

Bill

Yeah I have both righty and lefty mirrors and used both to good effect this evening.

I backed up about 10 - 15 times and pretty sure they are adjusted up as when I go about 10 in reverse and slam on the brakes the ABS kicks in and I get two short lock ups on the way to stop. The pedal feels fairly firm for the most part

Forward is a different story. Still spongy and can't get the brakes to lock and the brake light comes on when the pedal bottoms out......

maybe the Master is going? This is kinda weird. I won't be able to bleed them till Sunday as no one else is around to help me...

Master cyl is pooched,.

nick

Times two

Bill

oh man, I'm on the fence now. Really would like to bring this one th WF, but the AC went on her too......oh decisions....

New master cylinder installed and 3 out of 4 brakes bled. Snapped off the bleeder screw on the pass front (much cursing ensued). Took her for a test drive and the ABS works fine and she stops straight with no pull.

I'm calling it done. I got ALOT of air out of the passenger side rear

Now off to fix the AC....