TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone experienced this random brake issue?

Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:31 pm

I read the earlier message about brake issues. Our issue is simular, except that the brakes work 90% of the time. It's the 10% we have a problem with. We have a 71 SB. After months of problems, we have now replaced the brake pads, wheel cylinders. We have tried two master cylinders. The brakes will be great all day, but at least once a day the brake petal suddenly goes rock hard and the brakes lock up. If you pull the petal back up with your foot, and pump it, you have brakes again. If this happens, the brake lights stay on for a long time even when the car is parked. We took it into a professional brake and tire place, they couldn't get the car to do it while they had it. They suggested a pressure bleed and adjusted the brakes all around. We had them do this and it brakes great, just not constantly. Has anyone heard of this before????
Thanks in advance.

Mon Jul 07, 2003 7:03 pm

I had this problem before, turned out there was moisture in the lines, a thorough flush and refill of the fluid and I had no more problems

Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:50 pm

If you have to 'pull the pedal back up with your foot' then the pedal must be seizing on the shaft or there's some dirt under the stop plate. The master cyl can't hold the pedal down.

Wed Jul 09, 2003 11:19 pm

you should try to lubricate the pedal assembly. sounds like it is sticking.

Fri Jul 11, 2003 12:33 pm

The other thing to check is the flex hoses going to the wheels.
If the flex lines are older than 10 years old change them anyway.
Also I agree with removing, cleaning, and lubricating the pedal cluster.
Remember this is a 32 year old car, throwing parts at the wear items only
without rebuilding the entire system will lead to wierd problems like this.
My '78 vert got new brakes from the disc/drums all the way back to the brake pedal pad.
It wasn't that much more expensive that just replacing the normal wear items.
Good Luck
Al