1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I am trying to diagnose an odd braking problem in a '91 9000 Turbo hatchback... about once every several weeks, the brake pedal refuses to be pushed in at all and the car won't stop (except with the parking brake). But soon after each incident, the brakes resume working normally for another month or so. Then the brakes will at some point fail again without warning. This has happened three times in the last few months. Although the "brake fluid" and "ABS" lights often stay on for about 5-10 seconds after starting the car, the lights didn't go on during the brake failure incidents. BTW, the brake fluid reservoir level (DOT4) is normal and there aren't any noticeable fluid leaks anywhere.
Any ideas where the problem might be? I'm suspecting that something relating to the power assist may be the culprit, and that lack of power assist may make it seem that the brakes aren't working. Some people I've talked to suggested checking the vacuum hose (to the booster) for leaks or obstructions, the power assist pump that's supposed to keep the brake fluid flowing and also modulates the ABS, or the booster itself (behind the master cylinder). Or maybe the nitrogen-filled pressure tank used on some Saabs (including this one?) could be malfunctioning.
A search through this bulletin board found several mentions of problematic ABS sensors that convinced the car's electronics that a wheel was locked when it really wasn't, and thus kept the brakes from applying. But nobody I've talked to thought that was what's happening to my car.
Any thoughts?
Thx, Lee
posted by 138.88.150...
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