Brakes Dragging 91 Wagon -- Taraus

[al bradley]

I took my car in for a break job and the break job was done professionaly. When I dropped it off I mentioned that sometimes when I apply the brakes they seem to remain depressed just a little. Enough so that I notice the car laboring to accelerate sometimes after stopping at a stop light. They did a complete break job and the problem still persists. The breaks are still dragging just a little bitafter some stops and the rims are very hot when I put the car in the driveway. Sometimes when the breaks are dragging if I tap the pedel they will stop dragging and the car rolls free again. Do you think it's the master cylender or the anti lock systemsystem? Thanks.

[shorod]

I would suggest you inspect the rubber brake hoses, one or more may be collapsed internally. You probably won't be able to visually notice a bad hose, but will have to test it.

If you don't plan to do this work yourself, take it to a shop and ask them to inspect the rubber brake hoses, or if you plan to keep the car awhile, have them replaced and the brakes bled as maintenance.

If you plan to do this yourself, you will want to try to compress the caliper. If the caliper easily compresses, then the ABS system may be the issue. If caliper does not compress easily, then open the bleeder screw and see if that makes it compress easily. If not, then the caliper is probably partially seized. If it does compress easily, then close the bleeder again and release the rubber brake hose where it meets the metal brake line. Now try to compress the caliper. If it does not compress easily, then the rubber hose is the problem. If it does compress easily, then you are probably looking at an issue with system between the rubber hose and the master cylinder. I doubt you will find this to be the case though.

-Rod

[KimMG]

If the brake hoses are original, they should probably be replaced.

Here's a link to someone else's brake trouble that you may find helpful
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...highlight=flex

[al bradley]

Originally Posted by shorod

I would suggest you inspect the rubber brake hoses, one or more may be collapsed internally. You probably won't be able to visually notice a bad hose, but will have to test it.

If you don't plan to do this work yourself, take it to a shop and ask them to inspect the rubber brake hoses, or if you plan to keep the car awhile, have them replaced and the brakes bled as maintenance.

If you plan to do this yourself, you will want to try to compress the caliper. If the caliper easily compresses, then the ABS system may be the issue. If caliper does not compress easily, then open the bleeder screw and see if that makes it compress easily. If not, then the caliper is probably partially seized. If it does compress easily, then close the bleeder again and release the rubber brake hose where it meets the metal brake line. Now try to compress the caliper. If it does not compress easily, then the rubber hose is the problem. If it does compress easily, then you are probably looking at an issue with system between the rubber hose and the master cylinder. I doubt you will find this to be the case though.

-Rod

Rod and Kim,

When Rod told me to replace the rubber brake hoses I realized that they must be the original factory 1991 hoses. They are being replaced today along with new fresh brake fluid. Thank you for the great counsel.