97ntrdr
07-31-2005, 01:11 PM
I am currently located in Northern Virginia and have had my '87 GN for almost a year now. When I bought the car I noticed that the brake pump had a bit of a squeal to it (very low volume). Over the course of time that squeal has progressed to a buzz. Some important points about my system operation:
- The pump runs everytime the pedal is pressed
- I have only recently had the warning light come on when the pedal is pressed. However, it is sporadic; usually after a long period of pump operation. I just drove the car (pressing the brake several times along the way) without having the light come on.
- The pump runs continuously when the car is on a steep grade.
- The pedal is mushier than more modern cars that I have driven, but it does not travel to the floor. The operation generally varies.
- When performing the brake diagnostic test (10 pumps, ignition on, time for light) my light turns off in between 3 and 6 seconds. The pump however runs for around 10-15 seconds.
I had the car into service at a general service shop (bad idea) that we had taken our other cars to without problem. They, however, had no experience with the Powermaster-- as far as I could tell-- and they overfilled my brake reservoir. Not only this, but one of them took my car for a joyride and I got to replace the mainseal as part of the package.
I have also had the car into Brown's Buick of Fairfax, Virginia for service; although, not for brakes. I'm looking for anyone who has had similar problems with the Powermaster or can recommend a good mechanic in the Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun County areas who has experience working with Powermaster braking systems. I can travel into Maryland (Montgomery, Prince George's Counties) if necessary. I just want to know what's up with my brakes.
- The pump runs everytime the pedal is pressed
- I have only recently had the warning light come on when the pedal is pressed. However, it is sporadic; usually after a long period of pump operation. I just drove the car (pressing the brake several times along the way) without having the light come on.
- The pump runs continuously when the car is on a steep grade.
- The pedal is mushier than more modern cars that I have driven, but it does not travel to the floor. The operation generally varies.
- When performing the brake diagnostic test (10 pumps, ignition on, time for light) my light turns off in between 3 and 6 seconds. The pump however runs for around 10-15 seconds.
I had the car into service at a general service shop (bad idea) that we had taken our other cars to without problem. They, however, had no experience with the Powermaster-- as far as I could tell-- and they overfilled my brake reservoir. Not only this, but one of them took my car for a joyride and I got to replace the mainseal as part of the package.
I have also had the car into Brown's Buick of Fairfax, Virginia for service; although, not for brakes. I'm looking for anyone who has had similar problems with the Powermaster or can recommend a good mechanic in the Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun County areas who has experience working with Powermaster braking systems. I can travel into Maryland (Montgomery, Prince George's Counties) if necessary. I just want to know what's up with my brakes.