Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing

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Old 06-22-2007, 04:11 PM
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Default Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing

Ok, it's been a looong time since I've posted here, but I finally have my Accord back, and of course, now I have problems.

The most urgent problem is my brakes. The car sat unused for two years, and there was nothing wrong with the brakes before I parked it. When I got it back, I noticed that the brakes would feel extremely spongy after the car would warm up. When you first start driving, the brakes feel just like normal, but after everything gets warm, the pedal goes all the way to the floor fast. I thought it was the old brake fluid, so I completely replaced all of the brake fluid. At first, I thought the problem was gone. Then, after about an hour of driving, same thing happened. To give you an idea of how it feels, imagine how the pedal feels while you're bleeding the brakes. It goes down all the way to the floor just like that.

I've checked everything, and I'm not leaking any brake fluid from anywhere. The reservoir stays full, and the concrete where I park has no signs of any leakage. When I first start the car, the pedal had plenty of resistance, and only goes about a quarter-way to the floor before stopping.

For the life of me, I can't figure out what's wrong, so any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Old 06-22-2007, 04:21 PM
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Default Re: Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing (ThagAnderson)

sounds like a master cylinder problem. If its only when the car is hot. Its also a good idea to remove the wheels and make sure the brakes are adjusted properly. Make sure that the caliper slides nice, make sure that the shoes and drums are in good shape, and adjusted right up. When you bled the brakes, did you bleed the master as well? or just at the bleeder screws?
Old 06-22-2007, 06:05 PM
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Default Re: Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing (JDM_DC4_Fanatic)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_DC4_Fanatic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like a master cylinder problem. If its only when the car is hot. Its also a good idea to remove the wheels and make sure the brakes are adjusted properly. Make sure that the caliper slides nice, make sure that the shoes and drums are in good shape, and adjusted right up. When you bled the brakes, did you bleed the master as well? or just at the bleeder screws?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I did remove all four wheels when I bled the brakes. I checked the calipers all around for movement, and all of the pads have plently of surface left. I did not bleed the actual master cylinder... I wasn't even aware that this could be done. I just bled all four calipers. Could there be air in the ABS module?
Old 06-22-2007, 06:14 PM
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Default Re: Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing (ThagAnderson)

Most likely the brake master cylinder needs to be replaced. It is common for the seals on the master cylinder to wear out over time. Many times, you won't see any leaks.

Even if the ABS module failed or was leaking, your braking system will still work. Your problem is probably not related to the ABS.
Old 06-22-2007, 06:33 PM
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Default Re: Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing (tech8)

ditto on the MBC.
Old 06-27-2007, 10:35 PM
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Default Re: Unusual brake problem, need some help diagnosing (Bruce Banner)

get it fixed yet?

this is HT we dont want excuses, we want results

i cant remember who first posted that, the search server is down right now
Old 06-28-2007, 12:41 PM
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start by looking for leaks, checking brake lines for cracks, check the fluide level, check the master cylinder for leaks, bleed the system with new fluide.
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