Re: How can you tell if "the bomb" is bad?

[Ethan Pinkert <epinkert@bbnplanet.com>]

At 03:41 PM 3/18/98 -0800, frankbauer@thevine.net wrote:
>gary sez:
>>the third time he hit the brakes the pedal went down about 1.5 inches
>>and then the pedal began to throb.  He said that's a dead giveaway that
>>the bomb is bad, and that the brakes might not be safe in an emergency
>>situation.  Does that sound right?
>>...
>>By the way, the mechanic says $300 for parts and $75 for labor.  Does
>>that sound reasonable?
>
>
>the best way to test the bomb is to let the engine run for a few minutes
>and then shut it off.  pump the brake pedal until the unassisted feel
>goes away and is replaced by a "hard" brake pedal.  this should take up
>to 30 or so brake applications.  if it happens in the first one or two,
>the bomb is bad.  if it takes a 10 or so, bomb replacement is just around the
>corner.  you can find "aftermarket" pressure accumulators (they are all
>made by lemforder) for $250-300.  the replacement takes less than 1/2 hour.
>it will also take 1-2 liters of pentosin to refill the system since bomb
>removal will drain the reservoir.
>
>frank
>

Please forgive my ignorance -- I'm a mechanical putz.

Does this apply to all cars -- or just Quattros?  I get 2-3 pumps on my
Grand Cherrokee (don't buy these cars) -- does this mean that this vehicle
has a bad bomb or just a very small bomb?

-Ethan

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