Problem after problem...brakes locking up

[dude8383]

So after driving the car around for like 5min, I pull into the driveway and stop.

When I try backing into the garage my tires are just LOCKED UP...

I've confirmed that is all four wheels locking up.

I'm using the Treehouse Booster and I have no fucking clue as to why the brakes are locking up after driving.

The odd thing is that the problem goes away when the car is off and just sits there for like 30min, I'm assuming the booster is releasing the pressure?

How would I go about solving a problem like this?


*EDIT* Solution at post # 17.

[hoveringuy]

You'll need to do some diagnosing for us.

Vacuum from the engine tries to pull the diaphram forward, stepping on the brakes vents the cabin side of the booster to allow the diaphram to be pulled by the vacuum. Could be that vent is bad.

When the brakes release after 30 minutes, does starting the engine cause them to lock again?

Is the linkage properly adjusted? You may just need to adjust the linkage.

[tonytony]

the check valve for the booster could be bad, just an idea

[dude8383]

You'll need to do some diagnosing for us.

Vacuum from the engine tries to pull the diaphram forward, stepping on the brakes vents the cabin side of the booster to allow the diaphram to be pulled by the vacuum. Could be that vent is bad.

When the brakes release after 30 minutes, does starting the engine cause them to lock again?

Is the linkage properly adjusted? You may just need to adjust the linkage.

not sure what a diaphram is...can you define it?

starting the engine does not cause them to lock though.

by linkage are you referring to the fork and the nut where the brake pedal hooks up?

the check valve for the booster could be bad, just an idea

is the check valve the thing coming from the brake booster to the intake manifold. i mean the plastic thing in between...

[matt]

Drive the car with the booster vac line disconnected. Brakes still locked?

[dude8383]

Drive the car with the booster vac line disconnected. Brakes still locked?

i was actually thinking about checking this tomorrow.

so in the event that the brakes are no longer locked...what does it mean?

what about vice versa...what if the brakes remain locked?

[Aptyp]

the check valve for the booster could be bad, just an idea

Installed backwards??

[dude8383]

Installed backwards??

i pulled that piece directly off of the original booster...never switched anything around.

[m3boost]

Your booster has a leak... I had the same problem..

[dude8383]

Your booster has a leak... I had the same problem..

can you give me some more detail?

the booster i bought is re-manufactured and i doubt that treehouse would sell me a faulty booster.

[BeirBrennerE30]

Installed backwards??

that was my first reaction.... seriously check this

[dude8383]

that was my first reaction.... seriously check this

you guys are talking about # 17 right?

i dont really see how it could be backwards because there's only one way to put it in...unless there is a specific angle that it needs to be in.

[JGood]

Not only that, but it wouldn't cause the brakes to lock.

hoveringuy has a good start. Did you do what matt recommended, drive with the booster disconnected? You'll need to block off the engine side, as that will create a huge leak. Just thread a bolt into the hose or something.

This will tell you if it's a booster issue, as it will deactivate the booster. Just be prepared, you won't have power brakes.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake2.htm

[dude8383]

hey man, thanks for the advice!

im in the middle of fixing an oil leak so i had to take off a couple of things. im going to try with the booster disconnected and let you guys know what happens.

give me an hour or two!

oh thanks for that link...im no longer a brake booster noob!

Not only that, but it wouldn't cause the brakes to lock.

hoveringuy has a good start. Did you do what matt recommended, drive with the booster disconnected? You'll need to block off the engine side, as that will create a huge leak. Just thread a bolt into the hose or something.

This will tell you if it's a booster issue, as it will deactivate the booster. Just be prepared, you won't have power brakes.


http://auto.howstuffworks.com/power-brake2.htm

[windsor318is]

i have the same situation, check the fork mine needs to be adjusted but its welded with no adjustment, try disconnecting the fork, and see if they still lock up, remember that your brake lights will stay on.