[V8] bad bomb, master cylinder or ?

[Mark Kalbskopf]

Re ABS sensors:
I can't see how you check any clearance. The sensor is pushed in as  
far as it goes and that's that. There's no way to see the clearance.  
Well I guess, if you had the hub out you might be able to.  And  
there's the problem. To clean the teeth, is a major pain if you have  
to pull all the hubs out.
I've looked at them before, while doing the CV joints and they just  
look a bit dusty-rusty.

I don't see the brake fluid level going down at all.
Now,  there's plenty of other fluids coming out, especially the  
hydraulic, but only when I'm not looking!  :)
By that, I mean, when I have the car up on ramps and clean it all up,  
nothing obviously leaks, but drive it to work and park and there's a  
little puddle when I come back.

Mark.



On Oct 16, 2009, at 4:00 PM, Tony and Lillie wrote:

> You still have an ABS issue. That's what is causing the pedal  
> effect. Also, you should check the clearances and teeth. Basically,  
> it sounds like one of your sensors is not working properly. If you  
> have access to an O-scope, you can also watch the output as you spin  
> each wheel. But, I'd start by simply pulling and cleaning them.
>
> As a side note, a friend went a year witt the diff locking/no ABS.  
> We found the problem (worn through wires on a front sensor) and his  
> system has been troublefree since. That was at least five years ago.  
> Mine has been troublefree ever since purchase 6 years and 80K ago.  
> Can't say the same for the rest of the car, though.
>
> The reason I'm telling you this is perhaps it will help keep the  
> motivation there for you. I know all too well how easy it is to give  
> up on a problem.
>
> On a side note, Seamus' situation does sound like either the master  
> cylinder or a broken line somewhere. Check for fluid leaks all  
> around the car first after pushing on the brakes several times,  
> letting it leak out to leave a good trail if that's what is going on.
>
> Tony
>
>
> Subject: Re: [V8] bad bomb, master cylinder or ?
>
>
>> I have the exact same symptoms you describe with the brake being  
>> hard at the top of the pedal and then sinking down 2 inches before  
>> it engages.
>> It happens usually after the car is first started and for the first  
>> couple of brake pushes.
>> I replaced the master cylinder, and it had no affect whatsoever!!
>> It almost appears to be ABS related, because I think I can hear the  
>> ABS engaging with that grinding pulsing noise very, very slightly  
>> on the first trip down my driveway in the morning.
>> My bomb was replaced about 12,000 miles ago.
>>
>> I also have the differential locking up at slow speed issue, with  
>> the 'ABS-Off' light coming on sporadically.  I have replaced one  
>> ABS sensor, (the one with the higher resistance, with also  
>> absolutely no affect.
>>
>> Maybe if I replace the whole car, it will have an affect!!!  :)
>>
>> mark.