blk97z28

iTrader: (3)

Ok guys long story short I did a rear end fluid change and caught the TCS and ABS wires between the diff cover and the housing. After this occured I had a ABS inop and low trac INOP light occur. I went and got new wiring with heat shrink wraps, I cut the wires and I ran them to their correct fellow wires (original). After I did this the ABS inop and the low trac inop both went away (on the dash panel). Now onto my issue, my brake pedal needs to be pressed all the way to the floor to stop the car, but yet even slamming on the brakes the wheels don't lock up, the car just slows down slowly (low pressure?). I am wanting to know the following: 1) help with trouble shooting the brake pedal issue, 2) is the ABS something to worry about (the lights did go away does that mean it will work?), 3) is the only way to know if the ABS will work is if we correct the brake pressure issue first?

Quick side notes: I have ARS trac control on my 1997 z28, if my rear wheels start spinning the throttle is kicked down. If I'm not mistaken this is the same wire location as the ABS, this was one of the wires that was damaged that I replaced with heat shrink (or is low trac and ARS control totally different?) When the car is OFF and I hit the brakes 1-2 pumps causes them to become firm quickly. I bled the front brakes when I replaced the front brake pads, other then that I haven't touched the brake system.

Really need some help guys, car is suppose to get alignment monday with new nitto drags out back, wanting to find out some answers before I go in to the shop. I hope this isn't an issue with the wiring job I did as there was little to NO room left ontop of the rear end to which the wires connect to. I seem to think that the wiring issue wouldn't be it because I can control ARS up on the control button where as when the wires were damaged I couldn't control it at all.

Devin

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

I dont think anything electrical would cause a soft pedal like you're describing. The only thing that throws me off is you say the pedal firms up with the car off, usually that is a good indicator there is no air in the lines. Does the pedal drop at all before firming up? I'm leaning towards bleeding the brakes again, all 4 corners.

blk97z28

iTrader: (3)

I have to press the pedal down some (1/2 way) then the pedal becomes firm. Its weird because I don't think electrical would do it either. What might cause the ABS not to engage with a soft pedal when the car is on? Do they relate to each other, meaning if the pedal is soft and you slam on the brake does the ABS kick in? Because I can go 40 MPH ish and slam my brakes and all I get a long drawn out stopping out of my car. No ABS comes on, no ABS lights come on, no low trac lights come on the car just takes FOREVER to come to a complete stop...

blk97z28

iTrader: (3)

bump!

spy2520

iTrader: (3)

You have air in the system. with the car off there should be very little travel before firming up, the amount of travel is pretty much a gauge of how much air is in the system, and depending on pedal feel (and vehicle) sometimes you can even tell if its the front or rear.

Since you have a low soft pedal you cant lock up the brakes, and since you cant lock up the brakes ABS will not kick in.

Its possible you may have introduced air with your bleeding technique.

FiredUpZ28

Bleed all four calipers. RR, LR, RF, LF. If you didnt drain the master cylinder there shouldnt be a need to bleed the ABS block. Nothing can cause an F body with rear discs to have a soft pedal other than a leak (rather external or internal to the master cylinder) or air in the system. The rear lines is where a LOT of air can be trapped make sure they are bled well.

blk97z28

iTrader: (3)

Had the car at the shop for tire install. Just went ahead and paid them 70$ to do all the brakes and the ABS block. However even still at 50 MPH I slam on the brake pedal and the car just slowly comes to a stop. I only got the front tires to squeak (lock up?) on one attempt. This issue really doesn't bother me and I assume I'm doing no damage as I can't remember the actual last time I had ABS or even noticed it? Any other possible solutions or ideas? They said all the pads, rotors and lines looked good, they power flushed it as well.

Devin

blackthunder50

When I swapped the LS1 brakes my car sat in the garage with no brake lines for about a month. The master cylinder ran dry and I am almost certain air made its way into the system.
Fix...Motive power bleeder. The design and function of this is perfect. I also spun the two front wheels with a high speed drill and then had my brother hit the brakes with the ignition turned on to try and activate the ABS block. I am not sure if this worked but my pedal is solid compared to the old bleed methods.

PAGregSS

iTrader: (10)

Are you sure the shop you paid bled the ABS block? The dealership will use a TechII to activate the ABS to bleed the block. The other way is what blackthunder50 is referring too. If you have the car on the lift/jack stands, start it up and run it up to above 6 mph, then apply the brakes. This will open the block. You need to keep the car running while doing the bleeding or the ABS block will close when you turn it off.

blk97z28

iTrader: (3)

Long Time bump, don't believe this was done with a tech II so that may be the issue!