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friedrichsteel28
Everest brake pedal resistance
4 comment(s)
friedrichsteel28 (Author)
Interesting about the Saab... Uneven pressure makes sense with the feel. Fluid was flushed maybe 3 years back; should probably check it again regardless. But a seized piston... wouldn't that usually cause pulling to one side? I'm not getting that. Discs visually look ok, but I'll measure them properly. Any other thoughts before I admit defeat and take it to the shop?
magdalena_ice1
Pulling is common, but not guaranteed with a sticky piston. Sometimes it's subtle, or affects both sides somewhat equally. The 'fighting back' feeling you describe is what rings a bell. Think of it like trying to push a swing set that's stuck – you get resistance. Honestly, at this point, I'd get it on a lift and have a professional check those calipers and brake rotors. It's safety-critical. It will save you time and potentially bigger headaches down the road.
friedrichsteel28 (Author)
Yep, you nailed it. Took it in, and turns out it WAS a sticky caliper piston. New brake calipers and pads all around, fresh fluid, and she's stopping like new. Total damage: 240€. Thanks for the nudge – would have chased the electrical ghost forever!
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magdalena_ice1
Strange feedback... Sounds eerily familiar. I had a similar issue with my old Saab 9-3. Turned out to be the disc brakes. In my case it wasn't undervoltage, but a seized brake caliper piston causing uneven pressure. Check your brake rotors for scoring or discoloration; that could indicate uneven wear. Also, when was the brake fluid last flushed? Old fluid can cause hydraulic brakes to act unpredictably. It's worth investigating before you dive into electrical gremlins.