Last week, I had replaced my worn Racing Brake rotors with new rotor rings together with a new set of Hawk HPS brake pads. The job was not that difficult (will do a write-up later) and everything seemed ok afterwards. Braking was fine.
However, I was going on a trip in the Ardennes, so I wanted to do some preparation in advance. Under heavy braking, I had been experiencing left rear wheel lock-up, which was very unnerving as it would cause the tail to come around.
The suggestion was to flush the ABS-system, which I had not done before. I used the DIY-method as described at www.danoland.com. Had some trouble at first with the left rear solenoid which would click but otherwise do nothing, but after some times posted here http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105107, I finally got it working again and I was able to replace all the fluid.
However, when doing my test-drive, after a couple of emergency stops, I lost practically all brake pressure, then the parking light came on and a few moments later also the ABS and TCS lights.
I drove home very carefully. And some consultation with other NSX-owners, it was suggested that somehow air might have entered the system and I was have to flush my brake fluid as well.
This, I did on Saturday with some help and yes, there was indeed some air bubbles coming out. However, when finished, after a few hard steps on the brake, pressure was gone AGAIN
Then, I found out, that my right front brake line had been damaged to the point the fluid was squirting out of it if you stepped on the pedal.
Luckily, I still had a set of brake lines at home including the banjo bolts and washers, so I was able to replace the damaged line, redid the brake fluid change and went out for a very, very careful test drive.
Also, during the trip, I paid close attention to the functioning of my brakes.
They did get a bit soft on a very fast and long descent, but that was simply to do the fact my brakes were extremely hot. More easy driving for a couple of minutes was enough to solve that problem.
I am very lucky to have found this out in time before my trip and not during some descent.
Here is a pictures of the brake line. I must have damaged it during the rotor replacement without noticing. And yes, it was a braided stainless steel brake line.
The SS lines are LESS flexible than the OEM lines and are probbe therefore more easily damaged when stressed beyond their limit.
Needless to say, brake lines will be on my check list from now on :smile:
However, I was going on a trip in the Ardennes, so I wanted to do some preparation in advance. Under heavy braking, I had been experiencing left rear wheel lock-up, which was very unnerving as it would cause the tail to come around.
The suggestion was to flush the ABS-system, which I had not done before. I used the DIY-method as described at www.danoland.com. Had some trouble at first with the left rear solenoid which would click but otherwise do nothing, but after some times posted here http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105107, I finally got it working again and I was able to replace all the fluid.
However, when doing my test-drive, after a couple of emergency stops, I lost practically all brake pressure, then the parking light came on and a few moments later also the ABS and TCS lights.
I drove home very carefully. And some consultation with other NSX-owners, it was suggested that somehow air might have entered the system and I was have to flush my brake fluid as well.
This, I did on Saturday with some help and yes, there was indeed some air bubbles coming out. However, when finished, after a few hard steps on the brake, pressure was gone AGAIN
Then, I found out, that my right front brake line had been damaged to the point the fluid was squirting out of it if you stepped on the pedal.
Luckily, I still had a set of brake lines at home including the banjo bolts and washers, so I was able to replace the damaged line, redid the brake fluid change and went out for a very, very careful test drive.
Also, during the trip, I paid close attention to the functioning of my brakes.
They did get a bit soft on a very fast and long descent, but that was simply to do the fact my brakes were extremely hot. More easy driving for a couple of minutes was enough to solve that problem.
I am very lucky to have found this out in time before my trip and not during some descent.
Here is a pictures of the brake line. I must have damaged it during the rotor replacement without noticing. And yes, it was a braided stainless steel brake line.
The SS lines are LESS flexible than the OEM lines and are probbe therefore more easily damaged when stressed beyond their limit.
Needless to say, brake lines will be on my check list from now on :smile:
