Black91Z28

Hi,
I dont know if this is a problem or if ive just started to notice it, but whenever I have to brake in my 91 z28, I notice that I have to press down really far on the pedal for my car to even start to slow down. Then when I press my brakes all the way down (full braking) at a stop light or something, my emergency brake light comes on.
I checked out the pads and the brake fluid and everything is ok. Do you know why this would be happening? or is this normal that the emergency brake kicks in when 100% force is on the brakes??

Thanks guys

angel71rs

There is a switch plumbled into the brake hydraulic system, at least on the pre anti-lock systems. If your front and rear systems are balanced. the switch is in it's middle position. If front or back has a problem, switch comes off center and makes electrical contact. That turns on your brake light.

That happened to me on my 71 when the left rear slave cylinder sprang a leak. Weak brakes and brake light came on.

Since you pads and fluid are ok, could be bad master cylinder not sending proper front or rear pressure, or maybe your rear brakes need adjustment to get rid of excess travel befrore pads contact.

[This message has been edited by angel71rs (edited July 02, 2002).]

kandied91z

did you just look at it or did you make sure the master cylinder is working as well as your brake lines are clear and aren't calapsed or cracked.

i would check the stock rubber brake hoses......either replace them with oem or spend a few and get the braided which will really make a huge difference in pedal feel and stopping power.

good luck.

fastenuff

Im not a brake expert but ill give this a shot. get into a position where you can see all of your rubber lines, or where you can move back and forth between them. Have someone sit in the car with the brak pedal to the floor, look for cracks that could be leaking or bulges that could throw of pressure. Also make sure you dont have any leaking pistons or calipers. If all of these things check out ok it is either your master cyl or proportioning valve. Im not sure how youd determine witch. But i do know Dark grey or black break fluid in the resivior usually means the master cyl. seals are going out.

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94 Red Z28 A4
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Bristol

Double check your fluid level is at the max line. I had the same problem and my resevoir looked full but I guess when the cars stopping the fluid slushes around.

1989gta

You should try bleeding the brake lines, you may have an air bubble in one of the lines. You may even want to Have a shop power bleed you lines to clear all that junk and dirty fluid out. They usually reset you proportioning valve for you also.