Evidently I need a new master cylinder for my 87GN. The 1,100+ price for this thing is phenomenal! This must have been mentioned on the board before so I'm sorry if this is redundant -but are there rebuild kits available for it? Looks like an option would be vacuum conversion. But if I were to keep the PowerMaster setup, what would a cheaper & just as effective alternative to replacing the whole unit?
Thanks for any advice
check www.turbobuick.com and search for powermaster. There is a guy that sells new motors for $185. What do you need? Motor? Accumulator? Switch?
First, why not make sure you know you need to replace it. Have you diagnosed the problem? See the diagnostic charts at http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/brakes/brakespage.html
Your problem may be able to be cured by bleeding the system, replacing the accumulator or pressure switch, or possibly the pump. In addition, there is a rebuild kit for the master cylinder itself. New pumps are available from Hank Terry, who is listed in our vendor list at http://www.gnttype.org/vendors/ I believe his price is less than that mentioned above, too.
'Rebuilt' units are available from Cardone, but many find that their quality is hit-or-miss and its questionable as to how much they really 'rebuild' the units.
A vacuum swap is always an option, and info on that is available on our 'Brakes' page as well. But you might want to dig into your problem (plus our tech info and archives) and figure out what's wrong before deciding you need to replace the whole thing, first.
If you decide to replace it by converting to vacuum, I have a complete set up for you in my garage. Let me know offline. I put it on my 87T and love it.
jdoino@conaxbuffalo.com
Ok I started following some of the brake diagnostics on this page. After depressurizing the system the motor will run for about 10 seconds. It keeps its charge so the system may be fixable. Looks like it's down to the accumulator or the motor & pump like Scott mentioned. I was also suspecting the combination valve since the brake light will flash on then off.. but it seems like the motor. It whines & buzzes a bit more than before & takes longer to charge.
When the car runs the pedal will sink down alot if I hit it fast.. nearly to the bottom. There have been some basic stops when I've gone down all the way.. other than that the system has been bled and checked for leaks. I may want that J135--- tool & get a new accumulator and/or motor & pump.
Thx Scott & Shawn I may have narrowed it down & saved lots
