C 3 Problems
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 729
Likes: 64
From: Florida
C 3 Problems
I just picked up a 1973 L 82 4 speed coupe that was last registered and driven in 1988. The person I bought it from bought it in 2010 had the calipers rebuilt and let it sit since then.
I registered the car and got it on the road but have two problems.
The first is when i apply the brakes it pulls hard to the left I changed the rubber hoses up front and it still pulls upon further investigation I've found that when applying the brake one of the pistons on the passenger caliper leaked some fluid hoping this is the problem hoping someone can confirm
The second is the drivers headlight hasn't gone down since I've had the car and the passenger seems to go up and down sporadically turning the headlights on and of or pulling or pushing on the switch under the wheel has no effect either. All the vacuum hoses are attached and really don't look to be dry rotted or split
Really could use some help.
Pat
I registered the car and got it on the road but have two problems.
The first is when i apply the brakes it pulls hard to the left I changed the rubber hoses up front and it still pulls upon further investigation I've found that when applying the brake one of the pistons on the passenger caliper leaked some fluid hoping this is the problem hoping someone can confirm
The second is the drivers headlight hasn't gone down since I've had the car and the passenger seems to go up and down sporadically turning the headlights on and of or pulling or pushing on the switch under the wheel has no effect either. All the vacuum hoses are attached and really don't look to be dry rotted or split
Really could use some help.
Pat
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
You need to replace the caliper seals. If they are the lip seals and not installed correctly they will leak. That should take care of your brake problem.
For the headlights, there are two vacuum actuated relays located between the headlight buckets on the center bar. These get old, rusty, and fail, causing many problems and strange behavior. However, the headlight vacuum system is notoriously picky and even little vacuum leaks in other places can cause strange behavior. I would recommend replacing the lines before doing anything else. You can purchase a factory correct line kit for your car for not a lot of money.
Once the lines are installed you can apply vacuum with either the engine running or a hand pump and follow the excellent tutorial and explanation below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tem-works.html
Good luck.
MajD
For the headlights, there are two vacuum actuated relays located between the headlight buckets on the center bar. These get old, rusty, and fail, causing many problems and strange behavior. However, the headlight vacuum system is notoriously picky and even little vacuum leaks in other places can cause strange behavior. I would recommend replacing the lines before doing anything else. You can purchase a factory correct line kit for your car for not a lot of money.
Once the lines are installed you can apply vacuum with either the engine running or a hand pump and follow the excellent tutorial and explanation below:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tem-works.html
Good luck.
MajD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 649
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
As well as replacing the caliper seals you'll need to replace the pads on that side. Its the brake fluid contamination on the brake pads that's actually causing the pulling when you brake.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Pat,
I suggest that you use the guide suggested or purchase one of the trouble shooting guides for the headlight system that's available and a vacuum pump as MD suggested. This will allow you test the headlight components individually to see where the problem may be.
I recommend that you keep your current vacuum hoses. Spend the time to cut about 3/8" off each end of each hose. This will give you a new sealing surface at each connection.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I suggest that you use the guide suggested or purchase one of the trouble shooting guides for the headlight system that's available and a vacuum pump as MD suggested. This will allow you test the headlight components individually to see where the problem may be.
I recommend that you keep your current vacuum hoses. Spend the time to cut about 3/8" off each end of each hose. This will give you a new sealing surface at each connection.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
