Stevarino

I just picked up a '95 993 Cab (manual) with 24k miles from the midwest. The car has been driven just a few hundred miles during the past eight months. The car was checked out by Carousel Porsche in Mpls and given a clean bill of health. When it came off of the truck in Santa Monica, CA, I noticed that the brake pedal increased in pressure as I pumped it - classic master cylinder problem. My new mechanic thought so too, and replaced it - along with many other things to the tune of several thousand dollars. He said the repair didn't solve the problem and put the old master cylinder back. He thinks that I need a new ABS Block mechanical unit - but no warning light suggests this. The brake now has consistent pressure and during several panic stops (one on a wet road) the ABS worked flawlessly.

I'm hoping that the brake fluid flush cured the problem and this very robust brake system won't give me any more problems.

Anyone have a similar problem?

Btw, great site. I found this while my car was in transit. I've been driving BMWs for ten years, so I'm appreciative of your experience.
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Ray Calvo

Steven, I have not had any master cylinder problems on any Porsche except my old '76 911S. Problem was manifested there by a very low/soft brake pedal on initial application, and 1-2 pumps would bring the pedal back to normal. Drive along, hit the brakes again, and problem starts all over.

I cannot understand why your mechanic didn't try a complete brake flush right from the start. Also, why the new master cylinder did not cure your problem, but the reinstallation of the old master cylinder "fixed" the problem???? Something very strange!!!

If the pedal is firm, the ABS is working, and there are no warning lights, I would say your problem is fixed. My thoughts are that due to little use the seals in the master cylinder weren't sealing proerly, and that the fluid flush and your 'active' brake use brought them back to normal.

Good luck!

Stevarino

Ray:

You're probably right. I've heard that these cars are fairly trouble-free if you stick to the maintenance schedules. 'Seems odd that one of the best brake systems available at the time would self-destruct, and my mechanic comes highly recommended. If not for his comment, I would think everything was in order.

I've got to have Pacific Porsche check to see if my wiring harness needs replacing on Wednesday, so I'll ask them if they notice anything unusual in the brakes (always a loaded question, sort of like asking, "can I give you some money?").

Thanks for your help.