1996 Honda Civic DX - Brake Problems

Hello, The "spider" as you call it could be one of several things, Anti-lock brake system, positional valve, or just a distributional block .

Look at the block and see if there is a black rubber boot on one end or the other NO WIRES COMING OR GOING FROM IT. if there is push in on it to reset the spool valve. Some autos had this so if a line failure happen it would close off the section of the brake system so you would be able to keep a "break petal" other wise it would go to the floor.

When you disconnected the lines did you see if fluid came out of the block when the brake petal was pushed ?

When in doubt go to the parts store and pick up a service manual and or talk with a counter person, they may help you identified the part and may have some trouble shooting help.

Hope this helps a little.

Charles

metalSmith's

yeah I took a look to see if fluid came out of the block when the brake petal was pushed. First pump yes, any pump after...no.

Think you mean "brake pedal" rather than "break petal" unless you are brutalizing the flora.

The "spider web" I was referring to is a proportioning valve. Would that make sense in regards to the issues I'm having?

Most likely, I think most have some sort of check valve, if there is a major leak or line failure It keeps the rest of the brake system working. Like I said look for a boot or a pin sticking out one end or the other and try pushing it in. Or there could be some other way of reseting it. I'm just not sure.

I was just giving some info I've seen over the years with my and friends autos.

Have you check with any Honda shops or tuner shops they may be able to help. I'm sure they have seen something along what you have.

Good luck

Charles

Ha, Ha, Ha. The problem is 'Honda'.

Hello Sir,

Could you able to confirm your break system is ABX type, and do you observe the breaklight switch is ignited during key on.

Please confirm.

Good day HondaCivic96

You scare the daylights out of me......

......working on our own cars is therapeutic, cost saving, fun, all the good stuff! But when it involves brakes please get some one who knows what's going on to help you before you kill yourself and others! Ask at your spares shop for a referral to someone in your area who they know would be helpful.

There was a thread on brakes last week. Good luck, hope you get sorted out quickly.

Don't tell him that, you will put "Darwin Awards" out of business.......

See this link if you wish to know more:-

Darwin Awards

start with right rear wheel clear all air let go to left rear wheel then right front wheel last wheel will be next to brake slave refill master cly. check brake panple one inch from top free play.

One other thing for you to check is the brake line itself. The lines can collapse internally and not allow pressure through them. I have had this happen to me before. It is not noticible from the outside of the line.

Disconnect the line from the caliper and from the steel line and check to see if you have any pressure and the steel line. If you do then its the flexible line.

Crack the line at the side of the master cylinder when bleeding. Make sure you have pressure at this point first. Then follow the tubing and bleed at each point until you locate the blockage.

There may be clues to your problem in the failure mode of your caliper and the wear characteristics of your old pads. I have seen flexible brake lines develop internal weakness and balloon internally under pressure. This limits the pressure applied to to the caliper. I have also seen one way restrictions in brake hoses. The line will bleed OK, but the caliper won't release.

READ THE BOOK!!!

You will find the specific sequence in which the brakes should be bled. Follow it!

Also, what color is the brake fluid which comes out? Given the age of the car, it might be time to bleed the whole system. Use NEW brake fluid. Bleed the brakes IN THE PROPER SEQUENCE until the fluid which comes out is clear as water (not gold). Make sure to keep the master cylinder full as you do this.

A HINT!! I picked up a vacuum pump at Harbor Freight which sucks the brake fluid through the system from which ever brake you are bleeding. Let your brother go back to chasing women (or whatever) rather than playing PUSH!! RELEASE!! These vacuum pumps are cheap and WELL worth the money. This also might clear any blockage in the line giving you problems.

Bill