[V8] bomb question

[Buchholz, Steven]

... I think many people do not understand the purpose for the bomb ... it is
a pressure accumulator, a device that saves up pressure for large, short
term demands.  The best test I know of is to attempt a panic stop ... when
it is safe to do so of course!  If you find that when you first depress the
pedal hard for a panic stop that you are having to apply more force than you
would expect ... but then the brakes "catch up" after a few seconds and you
have to release some of the brake pedal force ... you've got a pressure
accumulator problem.  There may be issues in the master cylinder or servo
that might cause the symptoms you describe.  I find on #344 that the seals
in the M/C are probably going out ... I have to depress the pedal a
considerable distance before the brakes do any serious stopping ... 

Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)
> 
> Ok guys, now I'm stumped.  Been having a decent brake pedal 
> at car startup, only for it to soften up and make me feel 
> like I really am driving a two ton vehicle.  Got a new bomb 
> and pads and SS brake lines on the way, but I wanted to test 
> to see if the bomb was bad.  Did the "run engine, then turn 
> off, and press brake pedal until it tightens up" test, and I 
> think it is ok.  So, after work, I go start her up to head 
> home, and behold, the brake pedal is stronger than I have 
> felt in a long time.  When I got home, same thing.  
> What is the deal?  Did the bomb just need to be pumped or 
> something?  I've never heard of that, but then again, I'm 
> usually the last one to hear things.