Way2old....need opinion

[B33p3r]

While travelling to our vacation destination in our vehicle(didn't mention make of vehicle cuz I don't want to be redirected from your opinion), a vibration started. It felt like it was coming from the wheels but I couldn't pinpoint which one. Definately front. Left or right???? Pulled over and checked all the lugs since I rotated tires 2 days prior but all were fine. Checked for the obvious and all seemed well. Started off again and it was worse. The further I drove, the worse it became. It forced me to pull over again. Except this time when I went to pull over, the brake pedal went to the floor. Pumped it a few times(quickly I might add)and got to a stop. Decided to limp along for a few more miles until I could get to an exit with some service stations/parts stores...just in case. But when I pulled out the 2nd time, there was no vibration whatsoever. And a few miles down the road when I started to stop(expecting to have to pump up the brakes again) all was fine. Never had a problem the rest of my vacation or on the trip home. The best I can dream up is a brake cylinder hung up. Maybe due to a stone getting behind a brake pad????? I don't know. One note, when I did lose pedal the first time I checked the brake fluid, and it was higher in the master cylinder than it was before I left. After they started working fine the brake fluid was at the level it should be in the master cylinder.
I can see the vibration happening if something caused the rotor to overheat. Can you think of any reason why I would have lost brake pedal during this? The brakes are still working great 2 weeks later but is going to the garage next week to have them checked out for heat damage or any other problems. FYI.. Passed a no nonsense inspection 2 months prior!

[way2old]

I don't think anything had gotten under the brake pad. If it were something under the pad, there would have been a grinding/grating noise. If it was hilly terrain, the rotors could have overheated and caused the vibration, but if they are warped, they do not straighten out theirselves. It is possible something got between the caliper and the rotor for a while and caused this. It would have had to been something that stuck to the rotor for a while and vibrated the caliper piston back into caliper bore. Maybe ran over a rag, plastic or similar product. Possibly small piece of wood. You got me thinking on this one. Since it corrected itself, something had to wedge in there to cause the problem. Is this your normal everyday driver? If it is, pull wheel and look for any indication of something being there. Such as scratches, discoloration, clean spot where everything else has rust or dirt on it. If it were anything mechanical, it would have to be in the hub assembly. But then again, it will not fix itself. Got gray hair now, and you trying to make me lose it. You are correct in assuming something had caused the brake piston to be forced into the caliper bore. This would count for the extra fluid in master cylinder. But, I can't guess as to what is would be. All I can think of is road debris that fell out on the second stop. or when you pumped the pedal and forced piston back out. If you find the explination, please let me know.

[B33p3r]

Thanks for the reply. 2001 gc. Yes everyday driver. Funny thing, The front right just started squealing today once heated up. I might have a look tomorrow but more than likely going to the garage next tues or wed. Thanks again. I'll get back to you on the findings.

[way2old]

If it started making a noise, then it is possible that you ahce overheated a bearing also. But look closely at the brake rotors to see if they are red or bluish colored. if they are bluish, they have been overheated and probably will need replaced. If it has a brighter red color, the rotors can probably be resurfaced. Keep us posted.