Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes brake problem

I've been having some trouble with the brakes recently. History: About 10K ago I changed the front pads with the carbon pads from autozone, replaced the disks at the sme time. Bled the brakes at that time, drawing enough fluid through to replace all the fluid in the system. Fluid is Valvoline synthetic DOT 3/4. Car is 98 Se sport w/ 95K.

Anyway, I have had to top up the reservoir twice, second time was today. The last few days I have notived that when I am holding the brake down, the pedal slowly settled about 2", before finally stopping. If I pump the pedal it comes abck up, then slooooowly starts to settle again.

The pads are somewhat temp sensitive, not very effective when cold. First stop in the morning can be an adventure. Occasionally, when I jump on the brakes, the car takes quite a bit more pressure to stop than normal. This is usaully after a long period without a hard stop. Could just be the pads, or could be something else.

The system has no leaks that I can find. I'm begining to think that the master cylender may be going bad.... or the pads are wearing at a ferocious rate (could it be the driving style?)

Any thoughts?

If you are having to top off the resevoir then you are leaking from somewhere. I'm just guessing here, but if it was leaking at the master cylinder you would see paint damage on parts under/near the cylinder (brake fluid is corrosive).

Is it possible that the fluid is leaking around the caliper piston?

Possible. I haven't pulled the wheels off, but inspecting through the wheels doesn't show any dampness. No external signs of leaking around the master cylinder. I had an Alfa that leaked back into the booster, I'm wondering if there is some palce for the system to hide a 1/2 pint of fluid. (I think the Alfa drank a quart or so before I figured out where it was going. What a mess when I cracked the booster open.

I'm sure that something is leaking to go through that much fluid. You really need to have a good hard look. Don't forget to check the rears as well. You may also find that you are sucking air into the system somewhere. With a little luck it is not a difficult leak. Fix it right away. This is not safe.

I also suspect that you will be much happier with something other than Performance Friction brake pads. Many have complained about poor braking unless the pads are heated up.

In reply to:

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I also suspect that you will be much happier with something other than Performance Friction brake pads. Many have complained about poor braking unless the pads are heated up.

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Not me. Im plenty happy with them, and will get the same brand when these wear out. They are a lot better than stock, and stop hard when cold or hot. Mine have never needed heating up.

Thanks to all, I'll keep looking.

If you have manual trans, check your clutch slave cylinder, it's part of the same hydraulic system.

atx