When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I recently took ownership of my father-in-laws 80 and while it drives there is an audible hissing sound when you depress the brake pedal. Is this normal or do I have a vacuum leak?
Could it lead to total brake failure or is it just worse performance and annoying sound?
its serious, I would advise fixing asap, it can lead to total system fail if the problem is ignored, you would still have some brakes but u would have to repeatedly pump them to get any brake action, this assumes that its the diagphram only and the fluid lines are good.
The loss of power assist, just means you have to push harder on the pedal. You still have firm brakes. Non-PB was the way it was for yrs until the *****-foot booster was invented.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Aug 4, 2018 at 05:34 PM.
The loss of power assist, just means you have to push harder on the pedal. You still have firm brakes. Non-PB was the way it was for yrs until the *****-foot booster was invented.
agree, however if the diaghphram is failing because its being exposed to brake fluid from a leak.... ive seen this happen when wrong brake fluid type is used. I was unclear in explaining that part, my fail.
Is it a continual hiss as long as you are pushing on the brake pedal or is it one whoosh sound of air? Continual hiss would be a split diaphragm and you would have very little to no power assist. A single whoosh is atmospheric air entering the booster through the filter where the pedal rod enters the booster. Even with a booster not supplying assist, you still have the hydraulic sectioning functioning although with a lot more pedal effort. Even more than a manual brake car. You can remove the master cylinder from the booster and look/feel/wipe inside the booster for brake fluid and if fluid is present, replace/rebuild the master cylinder.
Is it a continual hiss as long as you are pushing on the brake pedal or is it one whoosh sound of air? Continual hiss would be a split diaphragm and you would have very little to no power assist. A single whoosh is atmospheric air entering the booster through the filter where the pedal rod enters the booster. Even with a booster not supplying assist, you still have the hydraulic sectioning functioning although with a lot more pedal effort. Even more than a manual brake car. You can remove the master cylinder from the booster and look/feel/wipe inside the booster for brake fluid and if fluid is present, replace/rebuild the master cylinder.
Thanks! Yes it’s a continuous hiss. I was already looking at a hydro boost and a new master clutch so I guess I know what my next purchases will be...
that's the whole thing at ecklers, you should deal with one of the corvette suppliers , Wilcox is excellent, ecklers, zips, paragon corvette, Chicago corvette, corvette central, take your pick.. these guys specialize in corvette parts, Wilcox stands out brcuase they generally try to help you diagnose issue and or give advice on repairs, but they are all good, and dealing with one of the ones I listed you wont have to wonder if the merchant is reputable.
Simply for the added braking power, I was already planning to swap out the vacuum booster with a hydrobooster. fron what I have read they make a significant difference in the brakes on these.