Re: [DML] Maintenance Questions

["Dave Price" <davep@xxxx>]

> brakes need a little help. Here is the problem. When I apply gentle,
gradual
> pressure to the pedal, it will go almost to the floor, and then catch.
Even
> then the grab doesn't seem very strong. Despite this, when quick, abrupt
> pressure is applied to the pedal, the brakes grab fine and hold strongly.
> What is this? Is my master cylinder going out? I need help. Where is the

Sounds like master cylinder or air/water/dirt in your break lines ..
I'd try bleeding the system... if that doesn't work, you may have to replace
the cylinder (which is -very- easy to do) ... I had the exact same symptoms
and after I replaced the cylinder, it was all OK. If you open up your fluid
reservoir (under the carpet in the trunk) and it's brown in there .. I'd get
a
new cylinder and bleed the system when you put the new one on ... when
I bled the system before replacing the cylinder, my brakes we virtually
non-operational... I think the gunk was acting like a seal inside the worn
cylinder. I don't have any experience with having the brakes done at a
shop, but it's very basic for me (a non-mechanic) to do, so I'm sure any
shop could do it for ya....

> Also, there is a fiber-like covering directly in front of the belts in the
engine
> compartment. It is at the very front of the engine compartment when you
are
> facing it. What the hell is this. Is it made of asbestos? I hope not.

This is the muffler heat-shield .. it keeps your muffler from melting your
belts
or hoses or whatever ... I'm sure it's readily available and could probably
even be home-made from a sheet of heat-shield material... I think there was
a thread about a stainless steel replacement that someone had created,
although there was debate on how effective stainless was as a heat
retardant.
It sure would look nicer tho ;)

Good luck!

- Dave