Fwd: Broke brakes!

[Ralph Moorhouse <ralphmo@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>
> Date: Sun, 11 Oct 1998 21:29:51 -0500
> To: Alfa Digest
> From: Ralph Moorhouse <ralphmo@domain.elided>
> Subject: Broke brakes!
>
> Had an exciting time stopping my Verde today!  Yes, the dreaded hit the
> brakes and rock-solid pedal but minimal stop.  Thank goodness for slowish
> speed, minimal traffic (unusual in Houston), empty lane to dodge into &
> effective hand brake.   I suspect the accumulator but would appreciate any
> other wisdom.  The background; 
>    * Abs lite always comes on briefly when I start car - had the car about 6
>    months. 
>    * Had made a couple of heavy braking stops (to avoid running red lites)
>    prior to the Event. 
>    * Pump was not running when I stopped to check under the hood - no burnt
>    wiring smells - pump was hot but so was engine (a/c on). 
>    * I've had a few instances this summer when engine temp has gotten really
>    hot (heavy traffic & a/c on + upper 90's ambient temp) - this has caused
>    ABS & Brake lite to come on, pump running.  I installed some insulation
>    that shields abs pump & master cylinder - haven't seen problem since
>    but............. 
>    * I made it home & left car parked for 30 mins; restarted to put in
garage
>    - ABS pump came on briefly, lite went out & I had brakes again! 
> I've read the stuff on Shiv's page, Rich Hirsch's articles and the
> accumulator is the obvious villan but............why wasn't the pump
running?
>
> Any thoughts, suggestions on troubleshooting etc greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA



Ralph
Houston, TX

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