Since I've had the VRX I'd always had one issue I couldn't get around. Pretty much if Im braking everything is okay but if I slam the pedal to the floor the car will go brake at first but then feels like it lets go and grinds like theres no pad in there.

I first though it was cause I had DBA slotted's in there despite no-one else having issues with them but yesterday had the discs and caliper changed over to a much bigger set of PBR's. I thought this would cure it but its still there so Im thinking the issue is coming from earlier in the braking system.

Anyone have any ideas on here before I see a brake mechanic?

Sounds like ABS problems, Im not that mechanically minded but when I was low on brake fluid the abs would kick in on half a push of the brake pedal. Madmagna should be able to give you more of an educated guess.

BTW car looks hot with the PBR's and new wheels, do you have a part number for the brakes or do you want to fix the problem and sell them to me lol

Is it a grinding sound for sure, or a pulsing noisy sound? Does it actually stop braking when it lets go, or just get rough/noisy but still pull you up?

Try to find a safe off-road spot, maybe smooth dirt or loose gravel with no obstacles to hit - the dirt or gravel will make it easier to lock wheels (thus activate ABS) and save tyres (less adhesion than on tar, so less chance flat spots). Try some emergency stops from about 40-50kmh - if the ABS kicks in but it still pulls you up nice and straight, try another run and try gently steering while ABS is going..... if you still pull-up under control and can steer effectively, there's a good chance the ABS is doing its job.

If ABS doesn't seem to be right, or it really is a grinding noise and not the loud-ish pulsing of ABS - then its time for serious investigation. Could read the workshop manuals links for ABS chapters and trouble-shooting ideas.

Some of the mechanic members may have better suggestions.

yes mine dose that too, and have always woundered if its normal. but since i dont brake like that all the time it hasnt bothered me.
I thought maybe it was just the way ABS works
let me know if you find out different.
cheers

have you checked brake fluid, and power steering fluid? mine was the power steering fluid :)

sounds like totally normal ABS operation.. nothing to worry about from what your describing


have you checked brake fluid, and power steering fluid? mine was the power steering fluid :)


your braking problems were caused by power steering fluid issues? i dont think so dude ...!?

have you checked brake fluid, and power steering fluid? mine was the power steering fluid :)

:bowrofl:

hahah sorry i didnt explain it enough... because my power steering fluid was low (well more like empty), when i was braking and hard and turning (i.e. coming to a corner to turn out onto another road) the power steering would go a bit and would feel like it was crunching. does that make sense?

i suppose it could be a vacuum issue or your lines swelling. thats all ive got.

while this grinding noise is happening does the car continue to pull up nicely?

if so its your abs doing its job..

if the car is failing to stop.. DO NOT drive the car anywhere. get it towed to a mechanic ASAP.. seriously...

Yep - I second Gremlin's advice. It possibly working fine and the noise/pulsing is giving you the willies. If its not working, then please GET IT FIXED. Don't want any AMC road-statistics!


If OP and Kaylene are not familiar with ABS operation, maybe hitch a ride with someone who has similar car on ABS and have them give you a demo, so you can understand what the system does and how if feels like from in the car.

while this grinding noise is happening does the car continue to pull up nicely?

if so its your abs doing its job..

if the car is failing to stop.. DO NOT drive the car anywhere. get it towed to a mechanic ASAP.. seriously...

Yea the car still stops but its rough as hell. I know ABS is ment to send a pulse through the brake pedal but this is more like the pads are gone.

But im still gunna have a mechanic look at it as it doesn't feel right and I reckon the car could stop earlier when braking hard.

Normal driving it brakes fine no worries its just when its underload, thats sorta why I thought maybe theres an issue with the ABS or the master cyclinder. Brake fluid is topped, when putting the new PBR's on we had to bleed'em and refill.

have you checked brake fluid, and power steering fluid? mine was the power steering fluid :)

Yep and check your ignition barrel also, could be leaking carbon monoxide.....

it's just the abs im a brake mechanic we get ppl in all the time with the same issue nothin 2 worry bout

Yep and check your ignition barrel also, could be leaking carbon monoxide.....

hey i explained myself three posts down :P

Yep and check your ignition barrel also, could be leaking carbon monoxide.....


OHHHHH NOOOOEEESSSS!!!!!!!:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

Mine did that, but I fixed it - poured superglue down it, worked a treat!

Yea the car still stops but its rough as hell. I know ABS is ment to send a pulse through the brake pedal but this is more like the pads are gone.

Jarrah, i had the same thing with my 380. The first time I really noticed was at Willowbank at the drags when I needed to stop hard from 160+
I thought it felt like a cracked disc or picking up debris on the tyres from the track.
But out on the open road with very high speed stops under full braking I'd get the same feeling. it was very alarming.

I've just had a major service where they've pulled off the front discs, machined them, new Bendix Ultimates put in and the brake fluid flushed.

The pads have to be bedded in but I hope this is the end of the huge shuddering. Otherwise it must just be how the ABS works under max load....