So over the last year I have had some issues with my wifes 99 Black on black Z 24 Cavilier Convertible 109k (2.4L Engine obviously) brakes. I have looked them over a few times and have tried some different things with it and now the brakes are better, but are not where they should be. She bought the car before we were dating and its brakes have always had issues to begin with, but were never this bad on dry pavement.
When you drive and sometimes slam on the brakes the front left tire will lock up for a split second. It also happens with the rear tires and this is all on pavement. I had pulled the ABS fuse for a while and drove it that way which seemed to work great. The car stopped 10 billion times better in winter and rain as her car just does not stop or slow down with wet pavement correctly like the rest of my chevy's.
Than months later the back tires started locking up on first brake push pulling out of garage or out of parking lots. So I finally got to that and found a rear brake piston to be wet, so I figure it was leaking and decided I would replace both sides while I was at it since I didn't want to deal with the other side going out and very cheap. Than that didn't fix the problem totally and I decided to replace the hardware on the back drums which has solved it almost completly except for the front left locking up and a squeak from the back once in a while.
I have examined all the brakes and the shoes, calipers and drums seems to be in good order. My question is what could I be missing? Can the ABS sensors be tested? Also would a ABS sensor be bad and the lights not come on the dash?
I want to get the problem solved and am at my wits on this.... Please help....
Thanks
Conrad
Have you checked your caliper slides? The bore where the caliper slide bushing goes typically corrodes on that style caliper. When it does this, it causes the bushing to clamp around the pin and therefore one or both calipers do not clamp on the rotor properly. Sometimes you can get a brake cylinder hone in there and clean it out, then pack the bore with silicone paste before installing new bushings. Sfter installing the new bushings, lubricat the bushings and pins before assembling the front brakes. The calipers should slide in and out easily by hand. Through my experiences though, I have found this to be a cheap temporary fix as opposed to replacing both front calipers. But start with the bushings. You may have to remove the bushings to inspect for corrosion. Be careful not to tear the bushings incase there isn't a problem and you need to reinstall them. However, if you do have to clean up one, make sure to clean all four (2 on each caliper). If you decide to replace the calipers, replace them in pairs to maintain even wear and even clamping from side to side.
Some people have brain storms, others light drizzles. And then there are those that have droughts.
Well I will take a look at that tonight than when I get home. I appreciate the advice and hope that its that simple
Hmmm, I wonder if this is also the same reason my girls 96 vert shoots to the right when the brakes are applied. Gotta check that out! Good advice Z24!
