brake problems

Can anyone help me figure out this problem? My 81 brake peddle travels too far. It just about lays on the floor before I come to a complete stop. I have all new pads, changed one bad caliper, and new booster. Still low brake peddle. has anyone had this problem? Thanks .

Ben81

When you replace the bad caliper, did you re-bleed all 4?

I have had this problem several times and the chances are that the whole brake system needs bleeding. I have seen tips on bleeding the system and other brake problems in several threads, try the handling forum.

I agree with rebleeding the entire system. Both the Chilton's and Haynes repair manuals have the bleeding sequence I've used several times which has resulted in a solid pedal every time.

thanks guys. I'll re-bleed the system agian and hope I do it right.

Ben81

I'm actually having the same exact problem right now.

I just replaced the Master Cylinder, and bleed the system.
The pedal is nice a hard when the engine isn't running, but when the engine is running (and the booster is doing it's work) the pedal goes almost to the floor till the car stops.

I am going to be replacing the caliper pistons soon with new O-Ring Pistons. I'll let you know what happens when I'm done.

yes i did 82dukman. though I'm not sure if I did it in the right order. Ben81

ok Adam , Ill be looking for your post. thanks

Ben81

Ben these brake systems can make a grown man cry ! With a minimal amount of rotor runout ,or a misadjusted wheel bearing they will simply unbleed them selves. The end result is a very dangerous vehicle to operate .

geo

|UPDATED|3/18/2003 9:23:48 PM|/UPDATED|

Geo, it has been over 25 years since I have done any work on brakes. How does the wheel bearing play cause these brakes to have air/bleeding problems. I have a little play in each front wheel bearing (1/4-1/8" top to bottom movement on wheel)and my brake pedal also lays closer to the floor than I would like. Maybe I should move the wheel bearings higher up my priority list, and follow with brake bleeding?