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Brakes feel like an on/off switch!

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Old 03-13-2014, 03:15 PM
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Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Brakes feel like an on/off switch!

Car in question is my 83 V6 Firebird.

Brakes look all stock. Rear drum.

First inch of pedal does nothing and then the rest is pretty much on or off... and by on I mean put you through the windshield!

What might cause something like that? Old brake fluid? Need to flush that out as it looks too brown. But what else? Sticky caliper or caliper slide?

Nothing feels like it's dragging while in motion btw.

Handbrake works fine and does fully release.

Ideas?
Old 03-13-2014, 03:24 PM
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Car: 91 Firebird/88 Firebird/91 Formula
Engine: V6 3.1/V8 5.0/V8 5.0
Transmission: 4L60/700R4/4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.23/2.73/2.73
Re: Brakes feel like an on/off switch!

My '91 was doing something similar and it turned out to be my rotors and drums were out of specs. The rotors were too thin and the lining was gone in the drums. If your pads and shoes are good and you don't have any leaks check that. Don't have the specs on have but I know they are imprinted on the drums.
Old 03-13-2014, 03:26 PM
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Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Brakes feel like an on/off switch!

Heh, really? Usually that leads to worse brakes; not better!

I'll pull the wheels and clean/lube/adjust everything. Or get around to putting that 4th gen disc rear in... maybe. haha
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