ix brake problems..

[tanksta]

from early this morning today my brake fluid light has been on and coming back from the most recent drive, the braking is no where near what it used to be. i checked the brake fluid reservoir and level of the brake fluid is fine and color seems normal.

any ideas what could be wrong?
:?:
Shwetank
88 ix

[nando]

I replied to your post on the 325ix club, but here I go again.. the master cylinder could be shot, and you could also have air in your lines. if you don't want to replace the master cylinder, try bleeding the brakes first and see if it helps, since that's pretty easy and cheap.

[kansas-ix]

If bleeding doesn't work hit me up, I took my amster cylinder out last week, and I'll make you a good deal.

1st bleed, and make sure good pressure in all your lines, then go from there.

[tanksta]

thanks for the replies guys..

nando, you mention bleeding the lines is an easy job.. i am wondering if its simple enough for me to attempt on my own.

any directions i can follow and get the job done??

Shwetank

[kansas-ix]

Yes you need 8mm wrench, a bleeder (buy one) and a helper to do the job right.

Get under your car on the right rear and look at the caliper and feel around and find the dust cap covering, where the brake line goes in, stick the bleeder tube on over the brake fluid outlet, loosen with the 8mm wrench and pump the brakes until fluid doesn't have shit in it and is nice and clear. then tighten and go to the LR, then FR and then FL, ahve extra DOT 4 on hand to pour in when it gets low and keep the fluid high in the reservior, and bleed them.

PS: buy a bentley manual.

Someone chim in with more info for him I think he'll need it.

[nando]

the only thing I should add, don't use too much pressure! the o-rings on the fluid resivior were not intended to hold pressure, I found out the hard way...

[EverWiser]

You can do it by yourself but get some vacuum tubing or something similar and push it on the bleeder "nipple". Put the other end in a container that has a small amount of brake fluid in it and make sure the end of the tubing stays submerged. Make sure you use a long enough piece of line and a clear container so you can see it bubble from where you're pumping the brake pedal. Crack open the bleeder and pump the brake pedal slowly several times until you're not pumping out any bubbles, then go tighten the bleeder. I've done it this way and although it's not ideal it'll get the job done. The reason for the tubing being submerged in the container is so the line doesn't allow air back into the system when you let off the pedal; it'll only be able to draw fluid. I hope this helps...