problem with brakes
My brakes have way too much play and almost no stopping power. I have a '94 SL. At higher speeds, I have to push the brakes almost all the way in. At lower speeds (1st, bottom end 2nd gear) I get some more feedback from the brakes but they still don't brake as much as they should.
My brake light came on (not the anti lock light) when I first noticed this problem. It only came on during 1st and 2nd gear, even though braking power was noticeably less at all speeds/gears. Fluid level looked a little low, so I went out and bought some DOT3 brake fluid and put some in there. I only had to put in a tiny amount though, the bladder that is attached to the cap is pretty damn big and made some of the brake fluid I added spill out. Also, I noticed that whereas the new brake fluid I added was clear, the fluid already in there looked pretty dark.
Afterwards, I drove around the block to test the brakes. The brake light did not turn on during 1st or 2nd gear, but braking power was still about as weak as before, maybe a little better.
I looked at my brake pads (front and rear), they look OK I think. I don't know what brand they are, the previous owner installed them. No squeaking when braking. Oh, and like a few days before the light came on, I went out and drove around some back roads pretty hard. I don't drive too hard on a daily basis (usually shift at 3-3.5k), but I do brake late/hard.
Anyone have an idea what the problem might be? I'm guessing (from my nonexistent knowledge base) that I need to flush the old fluid.
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