Brake Feel
#17
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Don't forget to assure yourself that none of the pistons in the calipers are sticking as I mentioned earlier.
#18
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#21
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The brake booster supplements your leg power to make pressing the brakes easier. If your booster is failing or has vacuum issues, the brake pedal will be harder to push as it requires more leg power and less "boosted" power. This can lead to longer stopping distances but only because it isn't getting the power assist. It's easy to test:
As noted by others, also verify the calipers are working correctly and don't need a rebuild. This is usually easily apparent when the old pads are removed at a brake change. They'll be uneven wear on the same side or opposite sides. Some uneven wear is normal but a piston that isn't retracting properly will cause a pad to wear much faster. Needed a caliper rebuild is rare in a daily driver. They don't generate the heat a track-driven car will so the seals are less likely to fail. My track driven car doesn't have seals on the pistons because they'd just melt anyway.
- With the engine off, pump the brakes — about five or six times is sufficient. This depletes the stored vacuum.
- Turn the engine on while pushing down lightly on the brake pedal. If your brake booster is working normally, the pedal will fall away a little, but then become firm.
- If your brake booster is not working correctly, nothing will happen, or the brake pedal will push back against your foot once the engine starts. This could be a sign of a brake booster problem or an issue with the vacuum hose.
As noted by others, also verify the calipers are working correctly and don't need a rebuild. This is usually easily apparent when the old pads are removed at a brake change. They'll be uneven wear on the same side or opposite sides. Some uneven wear is normal but a piston that isn't retracting properly will cause a pad to wear much faster. Needed a caliper rebuild is rare in a daily driver. They don't generate the heat a track-driven car will so the seals are less likely to fail. My track driven car doesn't have seals on the pistons because they'd just melt anyway.
Last edited by KentBigDog; 09-01-2023 at 06:31 PM.
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Mike Murphy (09-01-2023)
#22
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Good video from PCA on PMB and caliper rebuilds. It's inevitable as our cars get older.
#23
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Thanks everyone. I have some things to check to determine if it is the booster. Haven't driven the car in a few days so when I do I will run the test outlined above. Thanks again!