'72 brake issues
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,347
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From: Mint Hill North Carolina
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'72 brake issues
My son has a '72 base engine, auto, pb car that sat for a year without being driven. I decided to put it back on the road the other day and noticed that the brake pedal is "soft". Wasn't before. So here's what I have checked so far: fluid levels are fine, while engine was off I pumped the "air" out of the pedal and then started the engine while holding the pedal to the floor and got a nice depress on the pedal, so it seems as though the vaccum power booster is okay. I haven't taken the vacuum connection off yet to see if it is open. When I press the brake pedal the engine idle revs slightly when running and in park. No leaks at the rear of the master cylinder. Vacuum was a bit low when I turned on the headlights, but by the second or third time the vacuum levels were sufficient enough to raise and lower as they should be. I think it is a vacuum issue somewhere, but not sure. Any thoughts on what and where else to look?
Thanks.
Panama 58
Thanks.
Panama 58
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Lakefield Ontario
I would check the calipers and see if they are leaking, you will need to unbolt them to be sure and get a good view of them, if they are stock [ie] not O Ring type seals, they are most likely leaking,you will notice the back plates of the brake pads are wet.
Your vacuum system seems to be working fine, your test of the booster was correct, as for the headlights, the vacuum storage tank had lost its vacuum while sitting for the last year, nothing unusual about that!
Your vacuum system seems to be working fine, your test of the booster was correct, as for the headlights, the vacuum storage tank had lost its vacuum while sitting for the last year, nothing unusual about that!
