had a real breakthrough on the car yesterday... i discovered that one of my rear brake hoses was almost totally plugged up, which explains the poor fluid flow from that side during bleeding and most of the other weird symptoms.
ive now replaced nearly every component possible: master cylinder, calipers, pads, hoses, wheel cylinders, shoes... i even replaced the brake fluid-specific blue inlet hoses that link the reservoir to the MC ($6 a foot!). i almost screwed myself by using regular fuel hose, then checked the internet at the last second and found that a very specific type of rubber hose is used; standard fuel hose will dissolve and break apart in a matter of days...
the new seals are clearly a huge improvement, just by looking at them next to the old (new on the left)
and once installed on the piston it became even more obvious what an improvement it was:
instead of trying to bend the tabs on the existing spring seat i just used one from a spare MC that was already a good fit. on the left is the proper one with tabs bent inward to grip the tail of the piston:
the complete assembly...hopefully the last time i have to look at it for many years:
theres really nothing left to replace besides the rotors and drums, so hopefully this will be the end of the saga. i've even checked every section of hard line with my vacuum pump to make sure it flows well.
i got everything mounted up and tight just before the rain started. it'll be next weekend before any more dry weather...
