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Alternator Failure Caused Brake Failure - Fun! Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email] ![]() ![]() |
So here's a new one:
I'm driving along in my 1980 900T 5-door with the 16vT conversion, and I go to use the brakes, and whoops, they're not really there! There is enough action to slow the car safely, but not enough to actually go anywhere. I'm immediately baffled, because the brake master cylinder is five years old, but only has about 10,000 miles on it, and the fluid has been flushed twice in that time period.
I pull over and pop the hood to check everything out, and notice that while the brake fluid reservoir is totally full, the entire driver's side of the engine near the firewall is MUCH hotter than the other areas. I close the hood, but don't latch it, and drive slowly around the block, hoping the additional airflow cools things off so I can investigate further. I notice immediately a whining coming from the alternator, and everything makes sense...
The alternator's bearings are apparently failing, causing the alternator to heat up, boiling the brake fluid! After driving slowly around with the hood pop, things get back to normal temperature and the brakes return to full functionality. I drove home without further incident, and it looks like I'll be replacing the alternator quite soon...
posted by 216.57.64...
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