Brake light flashes

[87natl]

I've noticed with more frequency lately that the brake light on my dash will flash on when I first hit the brakes. Happens just for a second and then goes off.

I don't notice anything wrong with how the brakes perform, pedal doesn't feel soft and car stops well. But something must be up.

Any chance just a good bleeding would take care of it? Or is my Powermaster on its way out? I'd hate to get surprised at the wrong time.

 

[turbo nasty]

Ok, your accum. bowl on your powermaster has went out.

Fortunately for us the price has recently doubled ...great.......

I think they are about 180- 190 bucks maybe 10 or 20 less. But in the ballpark, mine decided to go out when I bled the brakes last.

 

[BoostedV6]

TTT

Mine is doing the same thing. Also, when I hit the brakes quick my pedal is hard and the car doesn't slow down for about a second then brakes normal. I almost rear-ended someone because of it.

 

[87natl]

Great, I don't even know what the accumulator is. time to learn something new, I guess.

But hey, the car's 16 years old, so I guess it doesn't owe me anything.

A couple quick questions: Hom much at risk am I right now driving it for a bit?

And for people who have made the swich to a vacuum setup, any regrets or drawbacks?

 

[kh440]

The accumulator is the big bulb shaped piece mounted on the side, Gm part#18038507 published/suggested retail is $208.74. You will notice the pedal feeling softer, much like a m/cyl crapping out. I have had both powermaster and vacuum conversions, and the vacuum conversion is the way to go. The brakes will feel a lot more sensitive until you get used to it. Red Regal T sells the complete setup and the price is fair. You might want to consider changing the metering (proportioning) valve while you're at it. (another fairly common problem)

 

[19gn87]

Decent price from GM Parts Direct ($104)
I bought one from a local dealer a few months ago...they 'discounted' to $157. Looks like prices are bouncing all around during past year or so...
HTH

 

[blackbird]

vacuum

switch to a vac system, much cheaper in the long run

 

[BoostedV6]

Are there any downsides to switching over to the vacuum system?

 

[blackbird]

i havent noticed anything bad but i might be predjudiced: rebiult powermaster=$$$695$$$ and i also dont have to worry about the motor goin out or the accumulator or a switch. i got mine from red regal t. good luck in whatever you do.

 

[turborayjay]

Vacuum sytem will probably give less headaches in the future. However, if you want the stock look and for not toooo much a new accumulator is the way to go. Also, it is definately a do it your self job. Pump the brakes 20 time or so, unscrew the old, put on the new. That's it.

2 years ago I paid the local shop 75 to do 5 minutes of work to install mine. Thanks to Tb.com., did the last one myself.

 

[Roger]

Lifetime warranty rebuilt COMPLETE PM (includes accumulator) - $150 at Advance Auto Parts & other auto parts houses.

I tried the vacuum conversion when rebuilts wern't available & I have NOTHING good to say about it.

I might consider a hydroboost conversion - I know where one is for a good price, but as long as I have no problems with the rebuilt PM, I'll probably not go to the trouble.