frozen brakes brrr grrr

[Zed]

wind chill right now of minus 21 celcius. So I go out, the daytona starts fine. Kewl. Let it warm up for a few minutes, then drive off. As I am coming down the hill to a redlight I apply brakes. How nice for me! The brake pedal is extremely stiff, right at the top, and I have to apply full force to get the car to slow down enough to pull off into a parking lot (over a curb btw). had maybe 5% braking power. Now, in the last few days it has rained alot, then this vicious cold snap. The braking system is stock 88 shelby Z with the exception of 60mm front calipers.

So, can old brake fluid freeze? Could there have been water in the lines that froze? The forecast is calling for milder temps in a few days, anyone think this will cure it? And I also suppose having the old fluid flushed out is the final answer right?

[flybyuin2.2]

yes brake fluid will freeze if its old or exposed to moisture since brake fluid absorbs water which causes rust in brake lines,calipers,etc. also at -34 celcius conventional motor oil will freeze to a solid brick hopefully it will never get that cold, if it does you better be running synthetic oil;)

[Zed]

mobil 1 of course ;)

well that's good to know, I was worried that something else was wrong with the brakes. My brake fluid is far from fresh, there is 250+ kms on the car and for all I know it's original fluid. Issues...

You sure you don't have a leak in the vac line to the brake booster?

[MidOhioMoparSource]

Quote:

Originally posted by mitsudodge You sure you don't have a leak in the vac line to the brake booster?

That would be the first thing I would check, make sure all vacuum lines are hooked up and good, sounds like the old manual brake problem.
I have never heard of brake fluid freezing, and I worked in a parts store for over 6 years, but I wont say it's impossible.
Matt

[Zed]

well temperatures are back to normal and the brakes are back to normal too :)

[2Lebarons]

bleed the system thoroughly.......

[Zed]

Quote:

Originally posted by 2Lebarons bleed the system thoroughly.......

yes now that the left side rear caliper has decided to be a wench and seize now and then, I guess I'm going to rebuild it, heck both the rears. Frig I'm beginning to miss drum brakes ....