Simple Brake Problem Fix -Cheap!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Simple Brake Problem Fix -Cheap!
To junior mechanics like me I had a brake problem on the '75 and read thru old posts, then did a thread to get more ideas. For those, like me, that don't have the knowledge yet/ tools or space I inspected all aspects of the brake system. Then went to my good mechanic (he's a NASCAR mechanic! -- ok he watches NASCAR) - told him it was the master cylinder and I was right. Cost about $60 for a NAPA master, then bleeding. My point is if you do your homework - with the help of this forum - you will save money and have a good job done. Even though the old master was just replaced 3 years ago it rusted up inside - that is the two pistons can rust up/not work if the car is not driven much. And I know many have never had the problem and you are very lucky. Peter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Warren IL
I would do some more research about dot5 before using it. While it doesn't absorb water, water can still get into the system. Since it doesn't get absorbed the water sits in a low spot and causes corrosion there.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I've never had the inside of the M/C go bad like that on a vehicle I was driving regularly. I wonder if the gasket under the cap is OK, or if the cap is bent and not allowing the gasket to seal right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,412
Likes: 75
St. Jude Donor '14
Let's be honest here. How many of you regularly change the brake fluid as a matter of maintenance on your cars? Not just your vette, but your whole fleet. Everyone says to do it, but I have never known anyone to actually change it until some problem crops up.
I never ever changed it on any car and I keep them for 10 tears or so. The first time I ever did it was when I had issues last year and changed calipers. I have never had any other issues, except with my 33 year old vette.
I never ever changed it on any car and I keep them for 10 tears or so. The first time I ever did it was when I had issues last year and changed calipers. I have never had any other issues, except with my 33 year old vette.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Nice fix!! It always pays to do your homework and know what is wrong before you tear into it. You have to be careful as many "mechanics" today are parts changers. They will keep replacing parts until it finally works. After all it is only your money and they are getting paid for the parts and their time.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Warren IL
Let's be honest here. How many of you regularly change the brake fluid as a matter of maintenance on your cars? Not just your vette, but your whole fleet. Everyone says to do it, but I have never known anyone to actually change it until some problem crops up.
I never ever changed it on any car and I keep them for 10 tears or so. The first time I ever did it was when I had issues last year and changed calipers. I have never had any other issues, except with my 33 year old vette.
I never ever changed it on any car and I keep them for 10 tears or so. The first time I ever did it was when I had issues last year and changed calipers. I have never had any other issues, except with my 33 year old vette.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,412
Likes: 75
St. Jude Donor '14
You have to completely purge out the old stuff before switching over to DOT5. Not worth the bother. Stick with the old stuff and look at it maybe a couple times a year and if it is getting cloudy, change it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I have used Dot 5 (Silicone) for many year with no problems. Just don't use Dot5 in ABS system. Most guys won't use it because of cost.