MidnightCafe Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 So I'm driving my 1978 Datsun 280Z around town at night for a shakedown ride (just picked her up). I'm approaching an intersection and the light turns red. No big deal, I shift into neutral and apply the brakes-that's when the brake pedal bottoms out without any resistance. shit. I start pumping the brakes like a madman while downshifting into second gear. I check both directions and realize no car is in immediate range and I hit the gas and run straight through the red light. Mind you that the light was red for a good while, it's not like I just ran it (though I did do that later while driving home). I pulled into a gas station to catch my breath and kiss the ground. Walking around the car, I discovered that the front right wheel was very very hot-the caliper was dragging or possibly frozen. That explained why the car was pulling to the right, but was only detectable the longer I drove it. So I'm wondering what to do from here. What is causing the front right brake to engage while driving? Why would I lose brake pressure so suddenly? The car will sit in the driveway indefinitely until the brakes get fixed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meph Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 (edited) seized caliper, piston not able to retract = constant drag and heat Complete loss of pedal? Im guessing the brake fluid boiled, forced the fluid out of the line, and when you pushed the pedal, you compressed the air in the system from the boiled fluid, not the fluid itself. If you're interested, I got 4 pot caliper in the mail right now, coming to me. They're replacing my stock calipers. If you'd like to buy my old set at a good price let me know, they are compellingly rust free, recently rebuilt and work perfect. old pads included Edited May 16, 2013 by Meph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Sounds about right. I've boiled fluid on the track more a few times. Brake once OK, brake again OK, next time might be a little squishy, next time no pedal whatsoever and you go shooting off the track at 90 mph. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Your Z is almost 40 years old. Suggest that you consider a complete brake system rebuild before putting the Z back on the road. Otherwise you may experience a series of component failures. Best to clear all of that up so you will have confidence that the car is safe to drive. BTW well maintained stock brakes with good pads work just fine for most types of driving. Check out the brake threads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Your Z is almost 40 years old. Suggest that you consider a complete brake system rebuild before putting the Z back on the road. Otherwise you may experience a series of component failures. Best to clear all of that up so you will have confidence that the car is safe to drive. BTW well maintained stock brakes with good pads work just fine for most types of driving. Check out the brake threads. Seconded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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