weak brakes?

[sjwcougs]

I have driven any other spiders other than my own so I don't have much to compare. I had the brakes redone a couple of years ago because when I bought the car it pulled hard while braking. It brakes straight now, but it feels like I really have to push hard compared to my daily driver. Is this just the way they are? do they not have much in the way of power assist? I really notice it when I'm coming down a steep hill or quick stop on the flat. It's not as if I don't feel safe, but I wish I didn't have to push so hard.

[Curly]

Your power booster may not be working. Try disconnecting the vacuum hose from the fitting on the booster and temporarily plugging the end of the hose with a suitable sized bolt, then go for a drive. If the brakes don't feel any different then you need to replace the booster. If the brakes are even less effective with the hose disconnected, then the booster was working .

[TulsaSpider]

I concur power booster is most likely not working. I had the very same experience. There is a thread about eliminating it if you would like to go that route.

[mbouse]

pulling to one side or the other usually has more to do with the weak front corner opposite the side you vehicle pulls toward.

if you are pulling left, look to issues on the right front caliper. things such as:
collapsing caliper hose
stuck caliper (needs to float on the caliper bracket)
stuck caliper piston

one non functioning caliper can give the feeling of weak brakes, especially a front caliper malfunction.

[sjwcougs]

As mentioned earlier the brakes themselves are physically fine. The fronts were resurfaced and are no longer pulling. The issue now is just what I think is excessive pushing on the brakes on hills and at speed. Is there a fix for the booster or do most people just deal with it? Where is this booster and hose located?

[Curly]

I'll let somebody with a left-hand-drive Spider post a pic to show you where the hose on your car is located.
Boosters are usually a throw-away-and-replace item.

[azygoustoyou]

Sooo!, how fast should he go with the booster disconnected?
I was just taking all my brakes apart and noticed on the back the Number was 124A100. On the front they were 128A100. Is there a reason for the difference?

[Curly]

Sooo!, how fast should he go with the booster disconnected?

As fast as he likes , the booster only reduces the pressure need to activate the brakes, they will work fine without it, in fact some people prefer the feel of the brakes without a booster and do away with it completely, bolting the master cylinder directly to the firewall - you just need to press the brake pedal harder.

[mdrburchette]

Here's a pic of the booster with the master cylinder attached:

[mosu]

mbouse, when you said that the caliper has to float freely, what does it slide on? I was under the impression that the locking blocks hold it firmly propped against the caliper bracket.

I'm having the same issues described in this thread (slight pulling to one side) after I rebuilt both sides as one was stuck, and now it's pulling to the opposite side (but less) :S. That and they do seem a bit weak for disc brakes...

[sjwcougs]

So what in that image is the booster? The large roundish piece? I recognize the brake fluid reservoir, but what is the other?

[mdrburchette]

Yep, the big round gold colored thing is the booster.

[fiat218]

this is a joke


if people driving there car and don't have no idea what the parts are, should take a class lol


kidding u know

[racydave]

Never be afraid to ask! But the importance of correctly working brakes is a major thing, especially if you are in my rear view mirror! Learn from someone elses mistakes.

[sjwcougs]

Yes, people should also should take lessons on spelling and grammar before they post online about THEIR car.

Just joking you know.