Brake Problem "New" 77
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 235
From: Lawrence Kansas
Brake Problem "New" 77
I bought an old 77 Corvette a couple of days ago that has been being abused the last couple of years. Not a bad old car (not rusty), fairly decent looking, just been ignored and mistreated the last couple of years. (deep scrape on the front right of the bumper, 1/4 inch of oil on the stick, leaky valve cover gaskets, leaking oil cooler line) The brakes feel bad and go just about to the floor (maybe 1/2 inch above) He was driving it like this. None of the calipers appear to leak but the back 1/2 of the master cylinder was empty. I'm thinking fill, bleed and hope but wondered if anybody has any ideas what it sounds like might be the problem or a solution. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
More than likely the rear calipers are going to start leaking when you put fluid in them.
You should do the following:
1. Rebuild Master Cylinder for $20 or buy rebuilt one for $40
2. Rebuild all 4 calipers for $80 or buy rebuilt ones for $65 each
3. Replace all brake hoses and maybe even the hard lines on the rear, depending on the amount of rust on them. I am not sure what these cost.
4. Completely flush and bleed brake system with Synthetic fluid or DOT4 fluid. for about $10
5. Replace all the brake pads. I am not sure what this costs, either.
6. Replace the Vacuum line to the intake for $10.
This should get you some decent pedal.
The brake system is really not that complicated.
You should do the following:
1. Rebuild Master Cylinder for $20 or buy rebuilt one for $40
2. Rebuild all 4 calipers for $80 or buy rebuilt ones for $65 each
3. Replace all brake hoses and maybe even the hard lines on the rear, depending on the amount of rust on them. I am not sure what these cost.
4. Completely flush and bleed brake system with Synthetic fluid or DOT4 fluid. for about $10
5. Replace all the brake pads. I am not sure what this costs, either.
6. Replace the Vacuum line to the intake for $10.
This should get you some decent pedal.
The brake system is really not that complicated.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Empty master cylinder is a sign of a leak somewhere. My advice is to bleed the master cylinder, then the system to determine a starting point for what you've got to deal with.
Good luck.
Good luck.
