TED NEAL'S AUTOMOTIVE TROUBLESHOOTING HELP SITE. I have 35 years experience and my associate, Dave McConnell, has 22 years experience. Let me know what your car problem is and we'll do our best to help you out.

BRAKE TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS The braking system is the most important system in your car. No car problem is as serious as one involving the brakes. If your brakes fail, the result can be disastrous. Brakes are actually energy conversion devices, which convert the kinetic energy (momentum) of your vehicle into thermal energy (heat). When you step on the brakes, you command a stopping force ten times as powerful as the force that puts the car in motion. The braking system can exert thousands of pounds of pressure on each of the four brakes. In modern systems, the master cylinder is power-assisted by the engine. All newer cars have dual systems, with two wheels' brakes operated by each subsystem. That way, if one subsystem fails, the other can provide reasonably adequate braking power. Safety systems like this make modern brakes more complex and harder to troubleshoot a car problem related to brakes. How do I troubleshoot a problem in which one wheel drags? Most likely the brake guide tubes are bound up by the brake plate anchor in the car. Fix this by cleaning any rust deposits off and lubricating the brake guide tubes. Check to ensure that the brake plate anchor is not deforming when the bolts are tightened against the axle head. Some shimming may be required to ensure a flat fit. How can I fix leaking fluid around my brake bleeder seat? Teflon tape or silicon sealant works well. Why do my brakes feel spongy or weak? To troubleshoot this problem, check to ensure that there is no air in they car's brake system. Air can be trapped in any high spot in the line and often cannot be "pumped" out. Ensure no high spots during bleeding. Second check to ensure that your linings have been adequately broken in using a standard break in procedure. Your lining should produce a shiny transfer layer if properly seasoned. Third ensure that the none of the o-rings has been damaged or is letting fluid out. Fourth, check to see if you are getting adequate pressure from the master cylinders by attaching a pressure gage to the brake bleeder seat port and applying pressure. Pressure ranges from 300 PSI to 500 PSI are adequate. Fifth, ensure that both linings are touching the brake disk. If both linings are not touching, check to see if there is adequate travel of the brake plate anchor along the guide tubes. When both linings are now, the brake plate anchor should be between the center line and the housing. Why does my master cylinder leak around the top? Overfilling is the primary reason for leaking around the shaft. Since the master cylinder vents around the shaft, the fluid level should be only 3/4 full to allow for master cylinder travel with the rudder pedals. The master cylinder is designed to function within fifteen degrees of vertical. If you cannot install within fifteen degrees of vertical, use a remote reservoir master cylinder. What size fittings are used in the master cylinder? Most mfg. use 1/8 tapered pipe fittings for all fittings. Copyright 2000. Ted Neal, Inc. Please e-mail me if you have any questions about this website or would like to suggest a link. Thank you.