need help on fixing hard brake pedal

[bigregm]

My '86 GN has a hard pedal, but the vaccum pump seems to be working. Like I say it has a hard pedal and it is very hard to stop the car! Any suggestions?

 

[Evans Ward]

If you have the stock powermaster set up and not converted vacuum brakes, then sounds like your accumulator ball has gone south. Is the idiot red brake light on when you hit the brake pedal? Replace your accumulator ball and you should be good to go if a PM set up. There was a recent price increase on the part and I think Postons, Kirbans, or GM Parts Direct may be your most competitive prices. Get those brakes repaired before you drive the car again- yours and others safety is at risk.

 

[bigregm]

bad brakes

I think you are right, because my brake light was coming on weeks ago, but I took the bulb out until I sorted out the problem. I guess the ball went all the way out. Do that sound right?

 

[Evans Ward]

Sounds about right- replace that accumulator ball. Never ignore the idiot dash panel lights although I'm sure that red brake light on for an extended time was pretty annoying! Good instructions over at GNTTYPE.org on accumulator ball replacement and procedure.

 

[bigregm]

hard pedal

thanks a bunch. I'm new in the turbo family, but I'm growing up. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Evans Ward]

No problem bigregm! And let me say WELCOME to you, here. This is a great site not only to get technical assistance but to learn from. Lots of helpful folks wanting to look out for each other. Post away my friend!

 

[Roc87]

Kirbans had the best price I found. $85. Postons already raised their price to over $150 . I put up with that idiot light coming on every time I hit the brakes for almost 2 years, before it got bad enough to scare me. Wish I would have bought the ball years ago, brakes work better than ever now.

 

[bigregm]

hard brakes

thanks for the info. I'm probably going to order one soon.

 

[GNational86]

i just went through this. My brake pedel went hard and the car wouldnt stop. The pump motor was bad and not pumping the fluid into the accumulator. I converted to vaccum brakes and will never have my heart get lodged in my throat again after a near accident.