250 sl break problem

[zak]

I took out baby blue over the july 4th weekend and I could tell there was something wrong with the brakes. The brake peddle travel was very short and the car wouldn't roll too far when coasting slowly, so I put it back in the garage. I didn't have time to pull the wheels, but I think that the front passenger brake was stuck. I had the master cylinder replaced last summer. The short peddal travel throws me . Any ideas would be appreciated.

[ja17]

Hello Zak,
It sounds like a classic example of bad rubber brake hoses. They should be replaced every ten or twelve years. They become restricted and the brake fluid cannot escape back to the brake fluid resivouir, thus locking up the caliper. When you are experiencing this problem, try opening the bleeder. If fluid escapes and the caliper and wheel frees up it is probably the rubber hoses.

Joe Alexander

[Tom Hanson]

I'll second that last post.

[zak]

Thanks gentlemen. I will bleed the beast A stupid question... where is the bleeder ? Is there just one, or are they individuals per each wheel ?
At least I then I could drive it to the shop.

[Tom Hanson]

each wheel has its own bleeder.

[zak]

Thanks Tom. I jacked up the car and all the wheels spun freely. I just dropped it off at the shop for the annual oil change . They are checking the brakes as well. I drove it to the shop , about 20 miles and the brakes seemed fine. The rotors were just probably dirty and pitted abit from LACK OF USE. I haven't driven the beast since last OCT. I am seriously thinking about selling it so it can be enjoyed . My enthusiasim seems to be waining.