The rear disc brakes on my '88 GTA do not seem to be working. I have heard that this is a fairly common problem... something about then being adjusted by setting the parking brake and if the parking brake is never set, the rear brakes eventually go away.

Can anyone shed more light on the possible problems with my rear brakes?

I am probably going to run it into a shop as I don't have time to deal with this any time soon. Any predictions on costs? Any thing I should be aware of before taking it in?

TIA!

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'88 GTA w/ t-tops
355 TPI, Edelbrock headers,
Flowmaster exhaust, cold air induction,
MSD 6AL ignition, ADS chip,
BMR strut tower brace
=====
Stereo:
Panasonic CQ-DFX700U
Infinity 4x6, Alpine 6x9
Rockford-Fosgate Punch 400a4
80 watt Bazooka sub

 

There was, I believe, a TSB on the rear disc brake problem (automatics only) so if yours haven't been worked on, the fix should be free. I have a 5 speed with rear discs, and I frequently used the e-brake, so I've never experienced any difficulties whatsoever.

JamesC

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Actually the TSB was for the manual trans cars; GM repairs those for free. You can buy the TSB parts though, check out the bottom of Dan's brake page at http://www.isthq.com/~dan/1LEbrake.html


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Do I need to take it to a Pontiac dealer/garage to have them check if I it has ever been serviced by the TSB? My car is an automatic and does not have the original engine... will this negate my chances?

Any guesses on what a brake shop will charge to fix this problem?

 

TomP is correct--(manual only), for the TBS. Your dealership can run your vin # and tell you if the car has been repaired under the TBS. I don't believe the engine swap is of any significance one way or the other.

JamesC

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[This message has been edited by JamesC (edited January 08, 2001).]

 

Don't confuse a TSB with a recall. A recall (called a campaign) is a mandatory fix, and costs nothing. A TSB is to help technicians diagnose and repair common problems. If you are out of warranty, you are on your own. If you show up at the dealer asking to have your brakes fixed for free, you will experience a rude awakening.

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If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

Thanks for the clarification! I never thought there was a difference.

 

GMTECH,

Was there a recall on the e-brake/rear disc problem, or was it simply a TBS? If it were a recall, then the car would have to be fixed free regardless of age or owner, correct?

JamesC

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I didn't want to have to do it because its such a pain in the @ss to look-up, but you made me do it, so here it is:
[list=a][*]Yes, a recall has to be fixed, at no charge to the customer, regardless of age, milage, owner, race, creed, fetish, etc...[*]Yes, there was recall on rear brakes (J65) for F body and P Body cars, between '82-'86 only!!![*]Yes, it was for manual trannys only, and you had to be between certain VIN breakpionts (meaning not all '82-'86 J65s are effected)[*]The fix consisted of the following:[/list=a][list=1][*]Caliper actuator kit, P/N 18019028 wich consisted of: 2 actuators, gaskets and seals, and pad springs.[*]Brake Pads P/N 12300230[*]Levers P/N 18010361[*]Front E-brake cable P/N 10200446[*]R/R E-brake cable P/N 10200444[*]L/R E-brake cable P/N 10200443[*]E-brake apply handle P/N 10046472[/list=a]


However, like I said, this was for only '82-'86, and only certain VINs, so if you don't apply, then you can only go by the TSB, and it will CO$T.

------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass, Custom Cold Air,
SSM SFC, KYB Shocks, Boxed LCAs, Wonder Bar,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

[This message has been edited by GMTech (edited January 09, 2001).]