Near Death Experience-Complete Brake Failure
08-19-2009, 01:00 AM
#1
Near Death Experience-Complete Brake Failure
Apologize for the long read but I figured I share this. I've been stuck in North Carolina for 2 days now and finally going to leave now after I almost died on I-95 when my brakes completely failed. I now know it started when I heard a clunk, when I was drivng, which sounded like a bolt that fell off and kind of went under the car hitting it and gave us kind of a loud noise, I immediately braked as a reaction, and the car stopped with no problem but since everything seemed cool, I dismissed the sound for what I thought could've been a rock also and kept going. Half hour later (12:45 AM) we decided we wanted to call it a night and were looking for a place to sleep so we were just driving at about 85 mph and looking for a hotel. I started to approach a construction zone where they had one lane closed and so all the cars in front of me were slowing down as they needed to switch lanes. This is when the chaos happened, I hit the brakes but I HAD A DEAD PEDAL. The pedal just went all the way to the floor with not one ounce of stopping power and car just kept going at 85 mph! I then started pumping the brakes but same shit, no response what so ever! I immediately freaked, threw the water bottle I had in my hand to my sister, put the car into sport mode and down shifted into 2nd gear to use the force of the lower gears to engine brake me, which worked cuz it slowed us down to 60 within 2 seconds, and then I had to pull the emergency brake and I came to a dead stop and had to turn the car into the grassy median which I couldn't totally get into since there as a 10 foot ditch there as well. Luckily I had maintained enough distance between me and the car in front of me that I had ample time to pull this maneuver because if it were maybe 20 mts. ago, I was traveling much faster and the outcome could've been VERY DIFFERENT! Lets say I would've wrapped it around a tree.
Now being stuck in the left lane, I had to move over to the right lane, but I was scared to do so because I had no brakes, but I had to because being stuck where I was in that darkness, was more disaster waiting to happen, so when I found an opening, I shifted over to the closed right lane and used the hand brake to stop and park it. Once that was done, I had to catch my breath and was totally shooken up. It's one of those things that you see in the movies, and hope never happens. I got out of the car and decided to see what the fuck happened and I immediately saw a pool of brake fluid from my front 2 wheels and my drivers side brake caliper was missing completely!! The right side seemed to be in tact but looked like there was a leak in the line so no pressure.
So now, I have no idea where I am, because in S. Carolina, the distance between towns and exits could very well be 50 miles. I called Acura Road Side Assistance, and when they asked me for my location it was next to impossible to tell them because I just didn't know, and when I looked at my navigation screen, all I saw was a red line representing I-95 all surrounded by black. Not a town or any other road in site. I was able to use my iPhone and google maps and somewhat give him lattitude and longitude and that's what saved me. However they botched up the tow truck dispatch 2x and finally only got it right on the 3rd time after yelling at them and so the truck finally came to us after waiting there parked in the middle of the forest for 4.5 hours!
The car was then towed to the nearest Acura Dealership, which was 80 miles away in Fayeteville, North Carolina!! Me and my sister had to ride in the tow truck and we finally got there at 7:30 AM. But this is where I was proud to be part of Acura. Acura Client services, immediately notified the dealer of my arrival, and so when I got there, they immediately had a brand new loaner car for me waiting which they gave me the keys to, and also made a reservation for me at a nearby hotel only 1 mile away. The towing truck cost was $600 and the repair job was $800, plus the hotel was $200 and Acura is paying for all of it.
They told me since I was not in NY or Miami they can't get parts same day so they would have to order a new brake system which would only be next day so we finally got the car back and are about to leave now. When I saw the car on the lift at the dealership, I saw the shit that happened, 2 bolts came off lose (explaining the clunk I heard) and the brake caliper completely slid off the rotor and was hanging by the brake line on the inside of my wheel. The pressure build up on one side caused the other side to rupture explaining the brake fluid loss, it was clear as night and day as soon as I saw it, and the service guy agreed that's what happened.
Anyways, we're happy to be alive and this could've been alot worse, so I'm just happy we made it out without being severly hurt or dead.
The point of me sharing this story is so that you guys always follow the specs on torquing all your bolts, because this is what could happen and its due to my own negligence. I have sure learned my lesson and will never make this mistake again, but I'm a firm supporter of Acura Client Services now because what could've been a nightmare ended up being an inconvenience instead all due to the service provided by the Acura Dealership and Client Services. Made me proud to be an Acura owner.
Now being stuck in the left lane, I had to move over to the right lane, but I was scared to do so because I had no brakes, but I had to because being stuck where I was in that darkness, was more disaster waiting to happen, so when I found an opening, I shifted over to the closed right lane and used the hand brake to stop and park it. Once that was done, I had to catch my breath and was totally shooken up. It's one of those things that you see in the movies, and hope never happens. I got out of the car and decided to see what the fuck happened and I immediately saw a pool of brake fluid from my front 2 wheels and my drivers side brake caliper was missing completely!! The right side seemed to be in tact but looked like there was a leak in the line so no pressure.
So now, I have no idea where I am, because in S. Carolina, the distance between towns and exits could very well be 50 miles. I called Acura Road Side Assistance, and when they asked me for my location it was next to impossible to tell them because I just didn't know, and when I looked at my navigation screen, all I saw was a red line representing I-95 all surrounded by black. Not a town or any other road in site. I was able to use my iPhone and google maps and somewhat give him lattitude and longitude and that's what saved me. However they botched up the tow truck dispatch 2x and finally only got it right on the 3rd time after yelling at them and so the truck finally came to us after waiting there parked in the middle of the forest for 4.5 hours!
The car was then towed to the nearest Acura Dealership, which was 80 miles away in Fayeteville, North Carolina!! Me and my sister had to ride in the tow truck and we finally got there at 7:30 AM. But this is where I was proud to be part of Acura. Acura Client services, immediately notified the dealer of my arrival, and so when I got there, they immediately had a brand new loaner car for me waiting which they gave me the keys to, and also made a reservation for me at a nearby hotel only 1 mile away. The towing truck cost was $600 and the repair job was $800, plus the hotel was $200 and Acura is paying for all of it.
They told me since I was not in NY or Miami they can't get parts same day so they would have to order a new brake system which would only be next day so we finally got the car back and are about to leave now. When I saw the car on the lift at the dealership, I saw the shit that happened, 2 bolts came off lose (explaining the clunk I heard) and the brake caliper completely slid off the rotor and was hanging by the brake line on the inside of my wheel. The pressure build up on one side caused the other side to rupture explaining the brake fluid loss, it was clear as night and day as soon as I saw it, and the service guy agreed that's what happened.
Anyways, we're happy to be alive and this could've been alot worse, so I'm just happy we made it out without being severly hurt or dead.
The point of me sharing this story is so that you guys always follow the specs on torquing all your bolts, because this is what could happen and its due to my own negligence. I have sure learned my lesson and will never make this mistake again, but I'm a firm supporter of Acura Client Services now because what could've been a nightmare ended up being an inconvenience instead all due to the service provided by the Acura Dealership and Client Services. Made me proud to be an Acura owner.
Last edited by Elegant TYPE S; 08-19-2009 at 01:02 AM.
08-19-2009, 02:38 AM
#7
Safety Car
WOW what a story! are you still under warranty??! is that why acura roadside paid for everything, or was it a kind gesture? i thought you couldn't use them at all if you were out of warranty?! i'm glad everything went well!!!!! phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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08-19-2009, 03:46 AM
#8
Instructor
Glad your ok! But i was under the same impression that if your warranty expires you couldn't use it.
08-19-2009, 04:51 AM
#9
so who exactly worked on the brakes the last time?
I have seen bolts rip out the threads from being too tight,
but not seen any so loose they fell out!
gen3 has an abs modulator problem too iirc
I have seen bolts rip out the threads from being too tight,
but not seen any so loose they fell out!
gen3 has an abs modulator problem too iirc
08-19-2009, 05:05 AM
#10
Registered Member
You could have used your Nav to tell them where you were. Just hit the speak button and say,
"Display current location" (I'm pretty sure that's it)
You will get the map coordinates, an address if available, and the feet above sea level. You could also try just pushing the joy button to see if anything appears on the screen, but the spoken command is very useful for locations.
Glad you came out Ok. Incidently, I love South Carolina and hope to some day move there after retirement.
"Display current location" (I'm pretty sure that's it)
You will get the map coordinates, an address if available, and the feet above sea level. You could also try just pushing the joy button to see if anything appears on the screen, but the spoken command is very useful for locations.
Glad you came out Ok. Incidently, I love South Carolina and hope to some day move there after retirement.
08-19-2009, 07:01 AM
#11
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2008
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You could have used your Nav to tell them where you were. Just hit the speak button and say,
"Display current location" (I'm pretty sure that's it)
You will get the map coordinates, an address if available, and the feet above sea level. You could also try just pushing the joy button to see if anything appears on the screen, but the spoken command is very useful for locations.
Glad you came out Ok. Incidently, I love South Carolina and hope to some day move there after retirement.
"Display current location" (I'm pretty sure that's it)
You will get the map coordinates, an address if available, and the feet above sea level. You could also try just pushing the joy button to see if anything appears on the screen, but the spoken command is very useful for locations.
Glad you came out Ok. Incidently, I love South Carolina and hope to some day move there after retirement.
Elegant Type S, I'm glad you and your sister didn't get hurt.
08-19-2009, 07:43 AM
#13
When it occurs, I always wonder what happens to the dual master cylinder and the system that’s not leaking, because it never works as a backup.
08-19-2009, 08:13 AM
#14
Under construction
iTrader: (3)
Man what a story, glad you and your sister are okay! That was some quick thinking and reaction on your part! It's nice to hear Acura stepping up and providing you with great service.
08-19-2009, 08:35 AM
#17
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I'm surprised your caliper slipped off and all you heard was clunk! do you have any enemies? This story sounds completely fubar'd.. Glad you and your sister are okay.. if a no brake pressure situation were to happen I would at least be content I was in a TL.. also.. I thought our hand brake was a joke.. it doesn't even keep the car from rolling on a slight incline.. I guess it's the real deal! 
08-19-2009, 08:53 AM
#20
Suzuka Master
I thought the Acura, most other cars had a separate front and rear system for brakes. If one fails the other is still there. Correct me if I'm wrong.
08-19-2009, 08:56 AM
#21
Three Wheelin'
that's why you need those huge rotors and calipers like a porsche, it barely fits in the wheel, so it wont slip out like yours did 
i hate a brake leak in my old jeep, thought I could still maintain some brake pressure, i had to pump the brake pedal 3-4 times to get it to stop. Glad it did, my ebrake didn't work at all.
as everyone said, glad everyone's ok, how long do you have to stay up there for the repairs to be completed?
i hate a brake leak in my old jeep, thought I could still maintain some brake pressure, i had to pump the brake pedal 3-4 times to get it to stop. Glad it did, my ebrake didn't work at all.
as everyone said, glad everyone's ok, how long do you have to stay up there for the repairs to be completed?
08-19-2009, 08:57 AM
#22
Truly scary indeed. Losing the brakes is everyone's nightmare! Makes me want to test the brakes once in awhile if I am on cruise control for a long time. I am so glad to hear that you, your sister and the car are all fine.
For sure having an Acura is a big step up in terms of service from all the "ordinary" brands. It's reason enough to buy a luxury brand, I don't care if that sounds snobby. Ever been in a Honda Service dept? BIG difference!
But other luxury brands are sometimes no better.....My dad's Caddy service sucks!! It is a combined Chevy dealer. You get Chevy style service.....No cappuccino machine or internet there, sorry! lol. His car is there now for routine service and they didn't even give him a loaner!!
(My best friend is a DM for Cadillac in Wash. DC.....sorry man, but gotta speak the truth!)
For sure having an Acura is a big step up in terms of service from all the "ordinary" brands. It's reason enough to buy a luxury brand, I don't care if that sounds snobby. Ever been in a Honda Service dept? BIG difference!
But other luxury brands are sometimes no better.....My dad's Caddy service sucks!! It is a combined Chevy dealer. You get Chevy style service.....No cappuccino machine or internet there, sorry! lol. His car is there now for routine service and they didn't even give him a loaner!!
(My best friend is a DM for Cadillac in Wash. DC.....sorry man, but gotta speak the truth!)
Last edited by rockyfeller; 08-19-2009 at 08:59 AM.
08-19-2009, 09:04 AM
#23
Drifting
Im glad you're ok. that could have been MUCH worse.
anyway, one way of getting your exact GPS coordinates with a Navi car is to just press on the red arrow w/ the circle on the map. that will display your current latitude, longtitude and altitude
anyway, one way of getting your exact GPS coordinates with a Navi car is to just press on the red arrow w/ the circle on the map. that will display your current latitude, longtitude and altitude
08-19-2009, 09:09 AM
#25
Glad you two are ok.
i once had a caliper bolt go on me too. i was driving to work on the highway and when i started to brake, i heard a loud thumping noise but the car still stopped. when i got to work, i checked the car and the caliper wasn't on the rotor. i was like wtf! i called acura and they said i can come pick up a new caliper and drop my old one off after i switch them. i guess i was lucky that my brakes still worked
i once had a caliper bolt go on me too. i was driving to work on the highway and when i started to brake, i heard a loud thumping noise but the car still stopped. when i got to work, i checked the car and the caliper wasn't on the rotor. i was like wtf! i called acura and they said i can come pick up a new caliper and drop my old one off after i switch them. i guess i was lucky that my brakes still worked
08-19-2009, 10:24 AM
#27
Head a da Family
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Glad you're OK. This is why I always let a mechanic do my brakes. They're too critical for safety, and as you can see, the slightest mistake .........
The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine driving a 2006 Cadillac CTS on the New Jersey Turnpike! Turned out to be the main computer that controls the whole friggin car.
This is the kind of story that typically comes from people who double cross 'da Family'.
.
.
The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine driving a 2006 Cadillac CTS on the New Jersey Turnpike! Turned out to be the main computer that controls the whole friggin car.
This is the kind of story that typically comes from people who double cross 'da Family'.
.
.
08-19-2009, 10:49 AM
#28
Registered Member
08-19-2009, 10:54 AM
#29
And to the OP, glad you were able to safely get to the side of the road. That would be a scary experience to have especially at those speeds.
08-19-2009, 10:59 AM
#30
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Happy to see that you and your sis are ok. Big thumbs up to the dealer & ACS for helping you when you needed them the most.
08-19-2009, 11:20 AM
#32
Yeah... the reason I took the time to write this here.. is cuz I don't want anyone else overlooking the torquing of bolts to proper factory spec, because too much is at stake. I blame no one else but myself for this, but I'm very happy that my outcome was fortunate. Its not that I didn't tighten the bolts, it wasn't tight enough to proper spec. I don't want people to think that I didn't tighten it at all, its just that I tightened it till I couldn't tighten no more, but apparently that wasn't enough.
This is the only pic I was able to take after sunlight came up with my iPhone... once the car was parked at the dealership. You can clearly see the caliper is missing...the bare pads are visible with nothing to compress it. The caliper was on the inside of the rim hanging by the brake lines.
This is the only pic I was able to take after sunlight came up with my iPhone... once the car was parked at the dealership. You can clearly see the caliper is missing...the bare pads are visible with nothing to compress it. The caliper was on the inside of the rim hanging by the brake lines.
Last edited by Elegant TYPE S; 08-19-2009 at 11:24 AM.
08-19-2009, 11:24 AM
#33
Glad you guys are ok. I've had brakes fail on me too. In my cobra going about 115mph down the drag strip. Thank god I had enough distance to down shift and slow the car down enough to hand brake it. Makes you proud to be a Acura owner and see them step to the plate and take care of you like they did.
08-19-2009, 12:07 PM
#36
Wow glad you guys are ok Raj.. good quick thinking on your part.. its crazy what instincts people possess to keep out of danger.. I hyrdoplaned in my old s2k.. instead of slamming into a bus in my right lane i did a crazy maneuver that ended up having my s2k hit a wall .. still sucked, but at least we didnt get hurt and i didnt hurt anyone else ..
What were you doing to your brakes? changing out the pads?
What were you doing to your brakes? changing out the pads?
08-19-2009, 01:30 PM
#38
Sounds like you forgot the part of the story where you did some work on the brakes and forgot to torque the bolts. What's the deal? How is it a lesson in torquing bolts when your not providing the details of the bolts were not properly torqued in the first place...
Please elaborate...
Please elaborate...
08-19-2009, 02:02 PM
#40
DAMN RAJ!
Now I know you will be making all the correct medical calls in urgent and pressing situations in a patient's room, good reaction.
Glad you and your sister are not injured and got to acura safely. Was your brake caliper ever removed before? I know it's pretty important to torque bolts for parts like brakes.. thank God you're okay though.
Make sure that pretty car of yours is untouched!
You must've been pretty pooped..... I know that feeling of being stranded and waiting 3-4 hours even for a lousy phone call..
Now I know you will be making all the correct medical calls in urgent and pressing situations in a patient's room, good reaction.
Glad you and your sister are not injured and got to acura safely. Was your brake caliper ever removed before? I know it's pretty important to torque bolts for parts like brakes.. thank God you're okay though.
Make sure that pretty car of yours is untouched!
You must've been pretty pooped..... I know that feeling of being stranded and waiting 3-4 hours even for a lousy phone call..