The Oldsmobile Connection

justinwebb · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Pataskala, OH

when i am driving my brake warning light comes on and sometimes it goes off but it never comes on when i push on the brake......anyone know what to check the brakes seem to work fine..

73Delta88 · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 3:47 pm Post subject:

Have you checked the level of your brake fluid? does the pedal feel different? (spongy, etc) another possibility is that the switch activated by your parking brake is being tripped somehow while driving, maybe something got loose down there, or maybe the pedal didn't pop back all the way last time you used it.

just a few ideas

Turbocharged400sbc · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 318

fluid level is prob low, especially if it comes on around sharp turns etc if the system has no leaks it may be time to do a brake job! check the rear wheel cylinders too! if moist around the rubber boots they arent leaking but they may soon (Prev Maint idea here!)

with new linings and the system properly bled out the resevoir is filled to the max line so that when the linnings are worn down the light will start comming on again.
hope i could help schlim

justinwebb · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Pataskala, OH

the pedal doeesn't feel any different to me when i push it. It doesn't come on right away either it takes about 10 mins after i turn the car on for the light to go on then sometimes it goes off but others it just stays on

88 Coupe · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:32 pm Post subject:

Hi justinwebb, hello All

The first step is to check your brake fluid level. No one on this board can do it for you you will have to check it your self.

After you check it then post back and someone will give you the next step.

Regards, Norm

justinwebb · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Pataskala, OH

yep so the fluid was low i filled it up and the light went away.....another quick question how do u know when the drum brakes need to be replaced is there a way to tell?

Brando · Joined: 06 Jun 2003 Posts: 3067 Location: Michigan, USA

justinwebb wrote: yep so the fluid was low i filled it up and the light went away.....another quick question how do u know when the drum brakes need to be replaced is there a way to tell?

yep, a way to check is to put it in reverse, press the gas...and try to brake. If it stops....you're good to go! :D

:lol:
TOC Admin
Brando

Turbocharged400sbc · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 318

to check whether your drum brakes need to be replaced you will need to remove the wheel then the drum and check the lining thickness/crum inner diameter are in specs and then look closely at the wheel cylinders for leaks-you may need to pry the dust boot with a small screwdriver to check for fluid behind it as this is a sign that they are starting to leak.

OldsGuy · Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 269 Location: Lees Summit MO

As important as the thickness of the brake drum lining is the condition of it and the shoes. If riveted shoes were used in the past and they were allowed to run down to the rivets then there will be score marks or even outright gouges in the drum. If you take your drums to an auto parts store that turns drums or a machine shop they will measure them for you and help you inspect them. After they give you their opinion ask them to show you and explain it. That is the best way to learn, hands on.

BTW, I have seen shoes/drum worn down so badly that it was almost impossible to get the drum off, it took a lot of beating with a mallet and wiggling and coercing the darn things. Once they were off, they were toast and needed replacement. If they are that hard to get off you are almost assured they will need replacment anyway so you get a little more "forceful" with the mallet, :wink:

88delta88 · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2407 Location: Canada

hey justinwebb... I like your new banner on the bottom of your posts... Its cool, but it just sent me into an epileptic seizure ;-)

justinwebb · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Pataskala, OH

yea i was bored in class so i made that....

88 Coupe · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:38 pm Post subject:

Hi justinwebb, hello All

Quote: yea i was bored in class so i made that....

Your new sig is very distracting but I removed it with my popup/ad blocker.

When you change it to something more appropriate, let me know so I can remove the block.

Regards, Norm

73Delta88 · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 9:42 pm Post subject:

88 Coupe wrote: Your new sig is very distracting but I removed it with my popup/ad blocker
I agree, it does look cool, but it's a little big/distracting for a signature line.

88 Coupe · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:53 pm Post subject:

Message Deleted. It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be.

justinwebb · Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 315 Location: Pataskala, OH

yea sorry my bad guys i didn't mean to make anyone mad by it....i was just trying to show off my car.