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Old 03-24-2017, 04:27 PM   #1
michael_J_brown
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Dallas
Posts: 27
Garage
Brake experts - Please Help!

Brake experts, here's your chance to help me (and others) diagnose significant brake issues. I'm a long-time Porsche owner with a 928s, 914 and 911, this being my first Boxster.

Car:
'99 Boxster
Purchased 3 weeks ago with 50k miles
Always garaged and in near mint condition

The car drove perfectly for the first week of ownership then....

Original Issue:
Driving at 45 mph car developed major drag, causing the car to almost stall. I immediately thought the clutch had gone out but depressed the brakes and the drag stopped. Over the next few days, the problem persisted and got worse.

Attempted Resolution No. 1:
Replaced brake fluid using Pentosin Dot 4 with my pressure bleeder at 20 PSI. Bled each caliper using Porsche recommend order until no bubbles were present in the line. My thinking was that the car sat for long periods of time and the brake fluid became contaminated.

Result:
No change, calipers still sticking.

Attempted Resolution No. 2:
Replaced master cylinder. I bench bled the new master cylinder with Pentosin Dot 4, installed and bled the brakes using my pressure bleeder at 20 PSI until no air bubbles were present.

Result:
Car was experiencing significantly more drag than the original problem! I raised the car to discover that all 4 calipers appeared to be engaged and causing major drag. I opened the bleeder nipple on all 4 wheels which allowed the calipers to disengage. I then tested the booster using the pump and start test, the brake pedal went down as expected. Pumping the brakes with the car off does not seem to build up pressure.

I then started the car and let it idle for 2 minutes, then applied brakes while on the lift. This action caused the calipers to engage and NOT release. I was suspecting a booster failure so I disconnected the vacuum line from the booster, fully expecting the calipers to release and pressure to escape, but neither happened.

I have messed with this for 2 weeks now. I hate to give up and have it towed to Porsche but I;m running out of options. Any Ideas?

Last edited by michael_J_brown; 03-24-2017 at 04:30 PM.
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