I'am from Croatia and I own 81 280ZX 2+2 for more than two years. It's probably the only 70- 83 Z- car in my country so it's very hard to find parts for the car. I had engine problem and the car was in garage for more than a year. I finaly repair it and everything works fine exept brakes. The problem is that pads won't separate from the disc, so after 3- 4 miles driving the car the steering wheel starts to shake. The front wheels become very hot, rear less, and you can't push the car in neutral. If you push the brake pedal a few times it relises a little but still pretty hard to push.When the brakes are cold its easy to push. The discs, pads and oil are new. The Calipers are in very good condition and there is no leaks. I bleed the brakes and master cylinder. The break pedal is very stiff, and the car brakes exellent. Today I found that the exhoust gasket which connects exhoust mainfold and exhoust pipe is leaking, and the hot exhoust gases hit the break lines and the metal plate that protects master cylinder and brake booster, it get's very hot. Could heat be the problem and could heat damage the master cylinder or is oil overheating.

its not the manifold gasket, that would just make the brakes less responsive. as for why they stick, i have no clue. good luck.

matt
240z
little north of tampa

It sounds like you pistons are jammed. You need to tkae the calipers off and compress the pitons all the way. If they go easy then you in good shape if you have ti fight them dont you will cause more damage. If they are stuck you need to tap on them lightly to get them staight again. Tkae your time otherwise you will be looking for new calipers.

Gotta get my Z's

I solved the gasket problem and it still sticks. My mechanic says that rubber parts which protect the brake cylinder are bad, and cylinders and pistons are dirty and rusty so when they worm up they spreed and dust prevents pistons from coming back. I wanted to buy new rubber parts but no one has them. I used WD-40 to clean it. The outside rubber that protects the cylinder from dust looks ok, no holes or cracks, and piston is shiny inside ( no rust or dust). Could rubber parts be the problem? When there is no oil pressure the piston slides very easy, with pressure harder but you can push it. What happens when master cylinder dies, could he be the problem and how much is the new one? My oil pressure meter died and I found the new one in Hungary for 100$! (to much). I found some prices in this forum and it's olways around 50$. My windshild cracked and the guy want's 500$ for new one!!!. If I order let's say oil pressure meter from USA which costs 50$ there, how much would shipping cost, and how much time it needs to get in Europe ( Croatia)? The same question for master cylinder and rubber parts for brakes. Any clues with brakes and parts prices PLEASE!!! THANK YOU.