Frozen Brakes?

Huskymaniac · #1 02-23-2011, 04:53 PM

The love/hate relationship continues.

I hadn't driven the car since Wednesday until this morning. It was really cold (-8F) when I backed out of the driveway. I then drove down our street and, at the first turn, the brakes felt very stiff like there was no assist. I stomped on them and, slowly, the braking improved. After that the braking felt mostly normal. MAYBE, I need to put a bit more pressure on the brake when trying to brake hard. I don't normally need to brake hard so it is hard for me to say if it really is weaker. I usually drive pretty smooth with soft starts and stops over long distances.

Thoughts?

I had all of the fluids done somewhat recently. (a few months ago) I had a weird braking experience coming out of a car wash on a cold day a while back that might be similar and/or related but maybe I was just skidding on the ice at the car wash exit.

processengr · #2 02-23-2011, 05:52 PM

Hi,
What kind of pads? The metallics such as PBR Metalmasters can act like that in the cold...

pile o' wrx · #3 02-23-2011, 06:20 PM

Going with the pads on this one. Anything else and you'd notice a drag/pull from one side to the other, followed by the pungent smell of pad.

Huskymaniac · #4 02-23-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by processengr

Hi,
What kind of pads? The metallics such as PBR Metalmasters can act like that in the cold...

I honestly don't know as they came with the car when I got it. Normally, the brakes are very sticky, if that makes sense. Grippy would be another description. They act different from my ceramic pads on the Tribeca. They definitetly are more sticky/grippy.

I mean, I REALLY had to stomp on the brake pedal! But only once......

edmsvx · #5 02-23-2011, 11:01 PM

I experience this often when it is very cold out (-20 degC or colder). On both svx, my wife's 01 Outback and the old 90 legacy. In most cases the pedal responds okay after the first application. In other cases (like today) half a dozen or so applications.

It feel like exactly like there is no vacuum assist. Not sure what causes this but brakes always okay after they function correctly once. Never dug into this but I expect there maybe a check valve in the brake booster that maybe frozen in place. Maybe someone has more information to help explain.

The brakes feel worse than normal application without vacuum assist was normally the engine ilde is higher because it is still cold.

Something I was taught years ago was to test all safety systems before you drive way. Move a couple of feet and then do a brake test.

Manarius · #6 02-24-2011, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edmsvx

Something I was taught years ago was to test all safety systems before you drive way. Move a couple of feet and then do a brake test.

Now that is a good idea!

Blacky · #7 02-24-2011, 08:26 AM

Outbacks and Legacys are famous for this. Our '97 Outback does it when it's blistering cold but I've never had it happen on the SVXs.
It is a sticking valve and has quite a few threads about it on http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...archid=1322492

Huskymaniac · #8 02-24-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacky

Outbacks and Legacys are famous for this. Our '97 Outback does it when it's blistering cold but I've never had it happen on the SVXs.
It is a sticking valve and has quite a few threads about it on http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/...archid=1322492

For some reason, that link didn't work for me.

Ironically, I sold a 1997 Outback to buy this car and that car never did this. I hate to say it but I am getting closer and closer to being done with Subarus. I loved that 1997 Outback but every car since has had "issues". Even the Tribeca has its issues. The front sway bar bushings die every 30-35K, there is an annoying timing chain whine, the gas mileage is mediocre at best, the front rotors have a tendency to warp and I get a faint burning smell every time I climb a steep hill. My 2002 Outback had the same odd burning smell on hill climbs among other issues and numerous recalls. I may just bite the bullet and get the Honda Crossover when we are ready for a car purchase again.

kwren · #9 02-24-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huskymaniac

I get a faint burning smell every time I climb a steep hill.

I get the same thing Tony... But after all I am 80 years old!

If you by chance are talking about your SVX, that smells like a blown head gasket to me. Mine did the same way, especially on hotter days, but I had over 200,000 miles on mine.

Good luck with the brakes also.

Keith