Hello Friends,
I bought my dream car a 92 Prelude in very good condition two months ago.
My problems started with a mushy brake pedal.
My friend helped me replace it.
At the first test drive the rear left caliper seized up.
I replaced the rear caliper. Then the front two seized up.
I replaced the front two this time at a garage. The same problem during the test drive.
He tweaked the master cylinder rod which he said was not the same length as the old one. The seizing problem was no more. But the brakes did not seem to have power to stop the car at high speeds. Went for a picnic into the mountains on Saturday and on the way back the abs and brake check lights came on. I checked the reservoir and it was almost empty and I also noticed a leak from the bottom part of the reservoir.
I topped up and the lights went off. The brakes feel the same.. they cannot sufficiently stop the car. The pads are almost new. The incorrect installation of the MC has till now set me back by $1100 . The car cost me only 4400.
Desperately seeking advice from you all.

Thanks
J Asokan.

 

Did you replace the leaky reservoir?

As for the lack of brake power, new pads should not stop the car faster than used pads. They need to break in.

First thing I would do is make sure the fluid isn't leaking from the system. Then troubleshoot from there.

Post back.

 

fix the reservoir leak. bleed the entire system. you said the pads are good, make sure the rotors are good as well. sounds like you have replaced all but 1 caliper and the MC. Fix the hydraulic system and it should be good to go. Also make sure the vacuum line for the booster is hooked up and not damaged