Brake Guidance Needed

[dsnyder]

I just had the front suspension rebuilt on my 1978 Spider. Shocks, ball joints, tie rods, etc... As I drove it home I noticed two new issues, both brake related- When I stepped on the brakes, the car pulled very hard to the right (passenger side). About a mile into the drive, the left front brake (driver's side) started smoking real bad.

I am scheduled to do some brake work this weekend on it... I have to replace the front brake lines as they are cracked. I also will probably install new pads since the one just got burned. I do have a new master cylinder I've not installed that is for my 1982 Spider 2000- are they the same?

While it is apart, what should I look for to take care of the pulling and smoking?

Thanks,

Dave

[mbouse]

our stock calipers are designed to float on their brackets. when dirt and corrosion prevents this floating, the calipers can't move and therefore cannot work efficiently. most pronounced in the front when only one caliper sticks, and pulling results.

additionally, the rubber hoses can collapse when they get old. they will let fluid in, but not out. sticking pistons can result in dragging brake pads.

also, pistons can themselves corrode and stick.

check the piston condition to ensure that you are not looking at disassembly and rebuild. clean the contact slides on the brackets and mating slides on the calipers, and plan on replacing those hoses.

[dsnyder]

I'm thinking the collapsed lines because they are really bad- What brake fluid to you use?

Dave

[majicwrench]

Did the brakes work well before all that suspension work?? If so, I would call the shop that did the work, the shop SHOULD have drove it more than a mile after repairs, and hopefully would have caught the brake pull/smoke issues.

Again, if brakes worked well before repairs, methinks somebody goofed something here.
Keith