Transbrake Inconsistency?

April 16, 2018, 05:57 AM

I'm seeing really high variation in my reaction times lately and I'm beginning to wonder if something is amiss with the transbrake. Could something be wrong with it that would cause reaction time variation? Has anyone experienced anything like this? It is a PG with standard brake.
Let's assume it's not the loose nut behind the steering wheel for now.

April 16, 2018, 06:47 AM

Curly1

I change the transbrake solenoid when ever I feel my reaction times are not where they should be. I think they can get greasy and dirty and start sticking.

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April 16, 2018, 07:15 AM

Slick Vic

Also make sure the plunger inside the valve body can spin and slide in and out smoothly. Have seen where they get a tight spot and it needs to be cleaned up to slide freely again.

April 16, 2018, 08:15 AM

Roger McGinnis

quote:
Originally posted by Curly1:
I change the transbrake solenoid when ever I feel my reaction times are not where they should be. I think they can get greasy and dirty and start sticking.

April 16, 2018, 08:41 AM

TomR

What kind of button are you using? Have you tried a different one? I would connect it to a practice tree and sit in the car using the same release. If it's consistent then look elsewhere (at the brake.)

Buttons wear out too.

April 16, 2018, 08:59 AM

Bob Nichols

quote:
Originally posted by Curly1:
I change the transbrake solenoid when ever I feel my reaction times are not where they should be. I think they can get greasy and dirty and start sticking.

Which flavor of transbrake solenoid are you using? The full internal unit where you can't see anything move........or the "pancake" style where you can see the plunger move? The "pancake" style is prone to dirt and grit getting into the plunger area. Move it manually, and I will bet it will feel gritty if there is a problem. Easy to clean. Remove, spray with brake clean, spray with lubricant (penetrating fluid, WD-40, ETC..}, Rinse with Brake Clean. Repeat 2 or 3 times until it is smooth as silk, reinstall, and you should be good to go.

April 16, 2018, 09:15 AM

Brktracer

Thanks for all the ideas. I have an ATI trans with this solenoid. I ordered a new one a little while ago and went ahead and ordered a new button also. I'm going to go ahead and install a new solenoid, button, and rewire the whole thing. I'll pull the plunger and check it too. Can the spring get weak and cause problems?

Thanks for the tips so far. There's a big race this weekend and it needs to be right.

April 16, 2018, 10:01 AM

willys1191

Well I just went thru this last year, after changing two different buttons, two different delay boxes, re-wiring the 12 volt & ground on T-brake, replacing T-brake solenoid and new tires, oh yeah and new eye glass's

Well it turned out to be the rear shocks. So now that I have replaced darn near everything in the car last year I decided to just go ahead over the winter and have the struts freshen up. So I wish you the best of luck, it can be very frustrating knowing you had a car that worked great and then be all over the place.

April 16, 2018, 10:21 AM

bracketsonly

On my door car I would notice my reaction groups would start getting larger when the sidewalls of my slicks would start breaking down. Change the slicks and the reaction times would go back to where they should be,The slicks still had plenty of rubber on them but the sidewalls were done.

April 16, 2018, 10:35 AM

Roger McGinnis

You should be able to tell if it's the tires with the movement in 60' times.

April 16, 2018, 11:38 AM

Curly1

quote:
Originally posted by willys1191:
Well I just went thru this last year, after changing two different buttons, two different delay boxes, re-wiring the 12 volt & ground on T-brake, replacing T-brake solenoid and new tires, oh yeah and new eye glass's Well it turned out to be the rear shocks. So now that I have replaced darn near everything in the car last year I decided to just go ahead over the winter and have the struts freshen up. So I wish you the best of luck, it can be very frustrating knowing you had a car that worked great and then be all over the place.

Actually a very good post. When I have an issue I try to isolate it and try to start with most likely area and cheapest / easiest to do.
Now a few years ago I had a wire to transbrake short out. I could have repaired that wire but I choose to replace solenoid, all wires and a new button to be sure there would not be any further issues. I kept the old one as a spare.

April 16, 2018, 10:12 PM

Mopar Traitor

quote:
Can the spring get weak and cause problems?

Don't think you even need the spring.

April 17, 2018, 07:00 AM

Brktracer

quote:
Originally posted by Mopar Traitor:

Don't think you even need the spring.

I seem to recall reading that somewhere but wasn't sure.

April 17, 2018, 07:42 AM

329L

If it is a standard brake, then replace the spring.

April 17, 2018, 10:37 AM

Wooley

Pardon my ignorance, but what spring? Where?

April 17, 2018, 09:41 PM

rusty

i took my spring out long ago,i have 275 psi behind the plunger,no help from spring.it does make it easy to check if brake is working with motor not running though