Dayton Daily News

Wheels: A recent e-mail from a reader says, "I purchased new in September 2001, a 2002 Honda Accord EX with the V-6 Hi-Tech Engine, which has a 4-wheel disc ABS braking system. The car now has about 65,000 miles and has always been serviced only by this dealer. The problem is with the braking system, specifically the master cylinder — original and three replacements at various mileage/service intervals as follows:

Note: Except for the front pads job, all of the other brake work and parts was done at no charge to me as "under warranty". The pedal still almost goes to the floor before braking is felt in moderate stops.

If a sudden hard stop is necessary, I feel it would not be done. I am a regular reader of your column and will appreciate your reply as to what could be causing this unusual and unresolved brake problem."

Halderman: It appears to me to be a case of air trapped in the hydraulic system. If, for example, the brake fluid was allowed to escape during the replacement of master cylinder or other operations, air can get into the ABS hydraulic control unit and is very difficult to remove. Ask that the system be vacuum bled one component at a time. It may take several times over a period of several hours to get all of the air out of the system.

Wheels: An e-mail from Vittal asks, "Why use timing belts which need to be replaced, albeit infrequently, instead of timing chains, which seem to last for the life of a car?"

Halderman: The main reason is noise. A timing belt is lot quieter than a timing chain. Also, a belt cost less than a chain. Honda has moved from a belt to a chain and most others are also, due to this concern about belt life and what can happen if it fails.

James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.