Frustrating brake problem...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 V-8
Frustrating brake problem...
New to the forum and glad to be here! Just acquired a 1986 Trans Am, and I am having some brake issues. Similar to other threads I have read but I will put my experience down anyway. Spongy pedal and had to pump 2 or 3 times to have proper brake performance. I bled all of the brakes in proper order and still have the same problem. I bought a new master cylinder and some speed bleeds... still have no brakes, yes i bench bled the new master cylinder. Now I may be focusing on the combination valve, but have a question...Do these things actually go out? And if they do, would they cause this type of problem? any help or opinions on what to do would be MUCH appreciated. And by the way...AWESOME FORUM!
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Frustrating brake problem...
Many members find that they have to bleed the brakes multiple times before achieving a good pedal feel. I'd start there. Can't hurt. I'd be skeptical of the combination valve being faulty.
JamesC
JamesC
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 42
From: Hamilton Ontario Canada
Car: 1985 Camaro IROC-Z
Engine: 350
Transmission: GForce T-5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73 posi
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 V-8
Re: Frustrating brake problem...
i know it was early, lol. not trying to be an ***. and one more question about the combination valve. i noticed a fairly large bolt on the front of it. do these things need to be bled too?
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
Likes: 103
From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Car: 1986 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 305 V-8
Re: Frustrating brake problem...
alright, i got it figured out. I want to warn everyone off of Dorman speed bleeders. The thread sealant on them prevented me to tighten them enough to bottom them out, and one of them actually broke off. So, instead of getting those things, I would just recommend getting quality stainless steel bleeders, they are cheaper than the speed bleeds, and they don't have that crappy thread sealant. I now have brakes, and thanks to James C for the input on the comb valve. CHEERS!
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Frustrating brake problem...
Another thing is if you have drums in the rear make sure they are properly adjusted. Improperly adjusted shoes will give you a soft pedal first application and it will tighten up if you pump it. As far as spongy pedal, it took me three bleed sessions on three separate days working on all four wheels plus both master lines to get a decent pedal feel. And I still feel like it could be tighter, but it also could be the guts of the master wearing out. Good luck 
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