the car: '95 accord ex, 2.2L vtec, manual tranny.
the problem: when i brake to stop, the rpm's just drop and stalls. but, when i'm really gentle on the brakes, i dont see the problem once in a while, the engine fluctuates between 500-1500 rpms when idling. dunno if this is related - i just bled the clutch.

 

stupid question... you are depressing the clutch as you brake, correct? are you engine braking at the same time?

 

Your brake booster might be leaking. Then it's a big vacuum leak when you step on the brake pedal.

 

>> stupid question... you are depressing the clutch as you brake, correct? are you engine braking at the same time?

yes, i'm disengaging the clutch when braking....and i'm not engine-braking at the same time.


>> Your brake booster might be leaking. Then it's a big vacuum leak when you step on the brake pedal.

please pardon my ignorance...could u briefly explain how the power brake system affects the engine? i guess i was wrong in thinking they're totally independent. also, since i just bled my clutch, i'm inclined to suspect it's related. btw, could this vacuum leak lead to brake system failure?

 

The brake booster is the big round thing between the MC & the firewall. It uses intake-manifold-vacuum as it's 'boost'. If it's leaking or not adjusted correctly, it lets too much air into the intake manifold.

Stopped, engine idling, let everything settle down for 30 seconds. Without touching anything else, pump the brake pedal several times. Engine RPM should increase somewhat, since the brake booster is letting extra air into the engine. But it shouldn't be so severe that it stalls the engine.

 

thanx!