Well, just got back from my parents and when I got there I uncovered my trail rig and took it for a spin (always the first thing I do when I go home). The brakes were really hard. I have PB and it seems like to booster isn't working. I looked and the master cylinder front compartment was almost empty (rear was fine) so I topped it off (looked and can't find a leak anywhere) and no change. I took the vacuum line off the booster and it's getting good vacuum, so does that mean my booster's bad? I don't know much about brakes, so is there anything else that could be causing this (prop. valve etc)? the brakes worked fine 6 weeks ago when I drove it, but now the light stays on in the instrument cluster (parking brake light) and it's hard as hell to stop. I was told bleeding wouldn't help if they worked well before unless the reseviour in the master cylinder was completely empty (so air could get in the lines). The seal where the piston goes into teh back of the booster is pretty rotted looking, so I'm thinking new booster is in store...Thanks for any responses....
brake woes
- Thread starter wm69
- Start date
Picking up a 97 jeep tuesday HELP!!
Usually if the "BRAKE" lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, it is because of a switch in the hydraulic system which has closed due to a pressure problem. My cherokee (and I believe my TJ) has this switch on the proportioning valve, not sure if that's where yours would be or not, but it's likely tripping due to imbalanced pressure in the valve. :mrgreen:
Also, it is possible that you have lost fluid from the master cylinder because the master cylinder's rod seal is leaking, and causing you to loose the fluid into your brake booster (which would ruin it). :shock:
Is your floor and/or your feet getting wet?
-Nick :!:
wm69 said:
Usually if the "BRAKE" lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, it is because of a switch in the hydraulic system which has closed due to a pressure problem. My cherokee (and I believe my TJ) has this switch on the proportioning valve, not sure if that's where yours would be or not, but it's likely tripping due to imbalanced pressure in the valve. :mrgreen:
Also, it is possible that you have lost fluid from the master cylinder because the master cylinder's rod seal is leaking, and causing you to loose the fluid into your brake booster (which would ruin it). :shock:
Is your floor and/or your feet getting wet?
-Nick :!:
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Try bleeding the brakes since the master cylinder was so low.
yeah, I'll try bleeding them first, but I think the master cylinder may have leaked into the booster. I can't find anywhere else the brake fluid could have gone and that would definately kill the booster. If that's the case I'll rig a YJ booster/master cylinder on it. I agree with the "do the cheapest fix first" school idea though, so bleeding will come first. Bad thing about this jeep is it's 4 hours away at my parent's house and with a wife a kid traveling with me I don't get a lot of time with my 'heep anymore when I'm over there. Don't tell her that as she reminds me constantly that I could sell a jeep and get other "necessary" stuff like new carpet.... :roll: Thanks for the replies!
