Power brake issue
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Emporia Kansas
Power brake issue
In the process of finding the cause of the squeak in the rear of my car, I took the two bolts out of the left rear caliper and moved it out of the way of the rotor without taking the line loose. After putting it all back together, the brake pedal goes almost to the floor. I still have brakes, but it feels like no power brakes. The last time this happened was about a month ago when I did the same thing with the passenger side rear caliper. At that time the booster made a whooshing sound when you stepped on the brake and went almost to the floor like now. I replaced the booster, and got good pedal and power brakes back. Now the booster does not make any sound, but acts like last time. I thought by not breaking a line loose, I could avoid having to bleed the brakes again. Has anybody had this problem before? If so, what was done to fix it? Do I just need to bleed them again? And if so, why does that happen when line was not taken loose? You guys were so much help on my last problem, I know you will have answers to this one. Thanks, Steve
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Lakefield Ontario
To test the brake booster you need to pump the brake pedal with the engine off, not running, with the brake pedal still held to the floor, start the engine.
The pedal should sink down a little, if it doesn't, the booster has failed.
Anytime a brake caliper is moved\worked on, it is possible that the caliper piston has been pushed back into the bore, brake fluid has to make up the space between the brake pads and piston, causing the pedal to drop to the floor.
You should have a firm pedal after this, if not you have other issues with the brakes.
Brakes are the NUMBER ONE safety system on your car, if you are at all unsure of your skills, get it looked at by someone experienced.
The pedal should sink down a little, if it doesn't, the booster has failed.
Anytime a brake caliper is moved\worked on, it is possible that the caliper piston has been pushed back into the bore, brake fluid has to make up the space between the brake pads and piston, causing the pedal to drop to the floor.
You should have a firm pedal after this, if not you have other issues with the brakes.
Brakes are the NUMBER ONE safety system on your car, if you are at all unsure of your skills, get it looked at by someone experienced.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Emporia Kansas
Thank you, KanuckZ06, your advice was what got my brakes back to normal. The pedal went down some like you said when I started the engine, then my power brakes were back! Never too old to learn something new, this is my first corvette, and I'm learning a lot. Thanks again, Steve
