DV 993tt

I went for a spirted drive in the mountains yesterday morning and while coming down the mountain, I hear some strange humming noises from the front. Then while braking for a easy right, the front brake suddenly locked up. I was going at a pretty good speed because it was a fairly easy right bend. Then suddenly, I had no steering and no brakes. The car just skidded straight ahead. I almost flew off the mountain!

Anyone have any idea why this happened? And why did only the fronts lock? PhD, any ideas? The brakes were fine up to that point.

JW
930
993tt

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

JW:

I'm not PhD, but maybe I can offer some help,...

There is no question that when the front wheels lockup, you get terminal understeer and sometimes loss of control. Its rather scary.

Brake lockup problems are usually caused by:

1) Dragging pistons in caliper failing to retract

2) Failed rubber brake line (internal)

3) Corner-weights being off more than 50 lbs.

4) Wheel bearing issues

There are other things such as excessive taper wear in the brake pads but I'd suggest starting with the simple stuff.

Hope this helps,

DV 993tt

Steve

Thanks for the advice! It's very greatly appreciated.

My mechanic checked the calipers and they seemed to be in good condition. However, I had my mechanic rebuild them anyways.

The brake lines dosn't look too good. However they do pass fluid but I don't know about releasing pressure or what happens when they get hot. I think this is the problem.

The corner weights and wheel bearing were checked and are fine.

Thanks again
JW