Squishy Brakes. Continued.

["therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

Here is a bit more information to answer questions asked.

System wasn't just bled, but was power-flushed until fluid was clear, and all 
air bubbles were gone. Which took almost 4 large bottles of GTLMA (old fluid 
was BLACK). Also, the condition is the same, regardless of temperature. It can 
be a warm afternoon, or cold enough that I've had to scrape ice off the 
windscreen (last Saturday night), and the condition is the exact same.

Also, the fluid level inside the reservoir appears to be fine. When first filled, 
the fluid touched both fill marks on either side, and a litte of the top of the 
reservoir. Now, the level is slightly below, but if I tilt the reservoir from side to 
side, the fluid will touch the "Full" marks on the top.

Glazing is most likely present, but not the root cause. The problem aside from 
fade is that the brakes don't "grab" until the pedal is much farther down. 
However, if you pump the pedal twice in rapid succession, the pedal "grabs" 
much earlier. Although, the new brake fade is still present, it should remain 
consistant, and should not be affected by pumping, which it is not. The main 
concern is the "grabbing".

I've not been able to fully test for pull when braking. However, no force has 
been noticed, and the car still feels and appears to be stopping in a straight 
line. However, the front rotors are warped, so I'll need to find a set of calipers 
to measure their thickness. Hopefully I'll have enough material left to turn 'em 
so they'll be corrected, but that's another subject.

At this point, I'm more than convinced that the problem is hydraulic. But 
wheather the issue is: 1. Blown seal(s) in new M/C, 2. Blown inner seal on 
caliper(s), or 3. swelling brake hoses, I don't know. Or perhaps a combination 
of one or more (these are the only things that I can think of that would cause 
such a sudden pressure loss, and fit with my symptoms). Plus, gut instinct tells 
me that I can't just replace the brake hoses, and leave the old calipers in 
place. While it may be an unfounded fear, I'm not comfortable with forcing 
more pressure on who-knows-how-old caliper seals with new SS Braided 
hoses installed. And rather than replace a couple of seals, I'd also rather just 
swap out for fresh rebuilt units (I don't trust old equipment).

Thanks again to everyone!

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"