braking problem on a '66
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Savage, MN USA
braking problem on a '66
Upon braking, I recently developed a pretty severe pull to the right. When I let off the brakes, all is well. Apply brakes, again it pulls right. Any input is appreciated folks. Could it just be the brakes need to be bled? Want to get back on the road. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Re: braking problem on a '66 (dtnvette)
If it pulls to the right, you probably have a leaking caliper on the left. If you don't see anything on the left side, check the brake hose on the left. If it looks old, replace it. However, I would bet a cold beer that you find a leaking caliper.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,359
Likes: 2,728
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Re: braking problem on a '66 (dtnvette)
I agree of the leaking caliper. For safety sake and time spent opening the system, replace both front flex lines and put new pads on each side. If one side is bad the other most likely is. You can't get all the fluid out of the pad material once it has been contaminated. Hope this helps!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 62
From: Redondo Beach CA
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: braking problem on a '66 (dtnvette)
I'll chime in and agree 100% that it is very very likely a leaking caliper. If the car was fine before and this happened recently, then the right caliper is still doing it's job, and the left if either not doing anything or not holding as well. It could be a leaking or ballooned rubber flex line, or (very unlikely) a crimped hard line.
You don't say how you drive the car, but if you drive it hard, you might want to look at the Teflon/Stainless braided lines to replace the rubber. They last forver and give you slightly better pedal feel.
If you have never done the calipers, you have to decide if you want to have these rebuilt, sleeved with stainless, or if you want to do a caliper exchange for rebuilt sleeved calipers. They also have o-ring pistons that help to reduce the air sucking that this design is prone to. If you really like driving hard and want to upgrade, look at replacement aluminum calipers. You save a lot of weight and get a more modern design. I have custom adapters and Wilwood calipers on my '66. http://ep.com/brad/Corvette/Wilwood/index.html
The other advantage is you get more choice in wheels when you get rid of the huge Chevy calipers.
Either way, the brake job is not all that difficult to do yourself.
You don't say how you drive the car, but if you drive it hard, you might want to look at the Teflon/Stainless braided lines to replace the rubber. They last forver and give you slightly better pedal feel.
If you have never done the calipers, you have to decide if you want to have these rebuilt, sleeved with stainless, or if you want to do a caliper exchange for rebuilt sleeved calipers. They also have o-ring pistons that help to reduce the air sucking that this design is prone to. If you really like driving hard and want to upgrade, look at replacement aluminum calipers. You save a lot of weight and get a more modern design. I have custom adapters and Wilwood calipers on my '66. http://ep.com/brad/Corvette/Wilwood/index.html
The other advantage is you get more choice in wheels when you get rid of the huge Chevy calipers.
Either way, the brake job is not all that difficult to do yourself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 44
From: Penticton B.C. Canada
Re: braking problem on a '66 (bcwaller)
I am under the impression, in this part of the world anyway, that allmost any rebuilt corvette calipers from any rebuilder now is sleeved with stainless steel sleeves. Check with your local parts store. They should be able to talk to the rep for the rebuilder to confirm. The price of these calipers is supprisingly inexpensive.
