Posted by Charlie (IP: 131.204.141.34) on December 14, 1999 at 23:40:23:
In Reply to: Re: Replace the master cylinder posted by Mavman on December 14, 1999 at 08:47:51:
You should pump your brakes in a panic situation to retain control over a vehicle. It is like old-school anti-lock. However, Dennis is right; pumping your brakes should not be necessary. I had to pump my brakes when I had a bad Master cyl, but no more. It makes no difference in my stopping ability. Pumping th brakes should be done to keep them from getting hot and locking up in a panic stop, no more. -CP
: According to the owners manual, one or two pumps will greatly increase the braking ability. It might not make it better, but it will keep the car from diving side to side, or fading. This is all Manufacturers suggestions. Try it! You'll see a BIG difference in your braking.
: 'course, some of it has to do with following distance, and making yourself leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Most people think these things should stop WHEN you want them too. When you go for the brakes, and there is ever nothing there, you know what I mean. Trust me...the couple pumps NEVER hurts. Just wears parts a little faster....maybe!
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: : : It's bleeding down like mine does. I'll be sitting at the red light, and the pedal ever so slowly creeps towards the floor.
: : : You really should be pumping the breaks when coming to a stop anyway. Trust me...it'll stop on a dime if you do.
: : You should not have to pump your brakes to stop your car properly. If you have to then something is not right. Usually its because your brakes are not adjusted properly (too loose) which gives you alot of pedal travel before they start braking. I dont like to rely on the self adjusters. Check them regularly. Secondary reason may be air in the system in which case you need to bleed them. The brake pedal should not go down more than an inch, or 1 1/2 inch before you hit a nice solid pedal. I like to adjust them so giving a nice firm spin, the tire will not rotate more than 1/2 to 3/4 revolution. Make sure you hit the brakes hard regularly while adjusting to keep the shoes centered.