Brake Help
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Brake Help
I have a 71 Corvette I am restoring. I installed a power brake conversion kit, new brake hoses, porportioning valve, and rebuilt all calipers. If you drive the car about 4 or 5 miles the brakes lock up to the point the car will not move. The only way to move the car is by opening a bleeder on the calipers and it is ok for a nother couple of miles. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Take a wrench with you that fits the two nuts on the master cylinder attaching it to the booster. Next time it locks up loosen the nuts slightly and see if the brakes release. If so, there's a geometry problem with the brake pedal and master.
If no, see which wheels are locking up and have a look at possible brake hoses collapse. Yes, I know you said they were new.
If no, see which wheels are locking up and have a look at possible brake hoses collapse. Yes, I know you said they were new.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
Just curios, but if it is an incorrect rod length, could not the same test/result happen just by sitting still with the engine running for a period of time? If the rod/pedal are out of adjustment or too long should there not be pressure to the calipers even sitting still?
Or could the heat build up of the rotor exacerbate the problem?
Or could the heat build up of the rotor exacerbate the problem?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I did not replace the steel brake lines on the frame. I am going to disconnect the calipers and blow air thru the lines to see if any blockages are in the line. I will try the master cylinder bolt trick first. It is almost like the rubber brake lines are old and not letting the fluid release. Just another one of the grimlins in restoration I guess.
