Pierburg Pump, Brakes, etc., etc.

[Alex Kowalski]

Ben Swann wrote:

>Any can, RF is typical.  Heat, stop and go and AC make it happen.
>Replace the MC - BTDT many times.

Just because the ambient outside temperature isn't sweltering yet doesn't
mean the underhood temperatures don't get quite hot.  I got the problem to
surface by driving the car vigorously in the shakedown runs I did after
working on the rear suspension.  Remember:  the turbo and exhaust manifold
are pretty large heat sinks and the radiator cooling fan directs its
exhaust flow almost directly at the master cylinder.  When I opened the hood
after one of the runs, it was painful to hold my hand near the master
cylinder when the cooling fan came on.  It gets hot under there, and it's
unmistakable when the brakes begin to drag: the car just slows down and you
absolutely must either increase throttle or downshift to maintain speed.

Also, you can feel the transition from dynamic (sliding) friction to static
friction when you let the car coast slowly to a stop *without* touching the
brakes.  You know the brakes are on because even on an inclined surface the
car will *stop* firmly and not roll in either direction.  After everything
cools down (or you cool it down) the brakes will release and the car will
roll backward or forward until it reaches the point of lowest local
gravitational potential energy.

If changing one of the lines doesn't help, swap the M/C.  I bought a rebuilt
from Advance Auto Parts for $58 with core charge.  Not going to break the
bank, and you won't have to deal with it for several more years as long as
you change the fluid.