1980 C3 brakes pulling
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 265
Likes: 76
1980 C3 brakes pulling
Hello All
I have a 1980 that pulls left when brakes are applied. Not enough to be dangerous but it will turn at a 30 degree angle if I don't hold the wheel. My Son drives the car from time to time so I'm concerned it could be an issue. It does stop very well with no other issues.
Any suggestions on where I should start? Regulator or possibly issue with caliper?
TIA
I have a 1980 that pulls left when brakes are applied. Not enough to be dangerous but it will turn at a 30 degree angle if I don't hold the wheel. My Son drives the car from time to time so I'm concerned it could be an issue. It does stop very well with no other issues.
Any suggestions on where I should start? Regulator or possibly issue with caliper?
TIA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi and welcome!
Pulls left when you apply the brakes means the right caliper is not working correctly or possibly the rubber hose is plugged.
First, look inside the front wheel for leaking brake fluid.
Is the master cylinder low?
First, look inside the front wheel for leaking brake fluid.
Is the master cylinder low?
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Nov 25, 2020 at 09:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 265
Likes: 76
Tires are new and car drives straight just issue when braking. No fluid leaks. I thought it could be an issue with the caliper but not sure if the regulator control pressure to left/right front wheels so that may be causing difference in Pressures.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,026
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From: US-PNW
I believe the later C-3s had the same system as the early years; the only "regulator" is between the front and rear lines. It's not really a pressure regulator as much as a pressure-sensitive switch that activates the dash's brake warning light. There isn't any left/right pressure component unless a line, hose, or seal is leaking.
You could have a weak spot in one of the rubber hoses that balloons under braking pressure but looks normal otherwise. Replacing both is a good 10-year maintenance schedule.
Last edited by barkingrats; Nov 25, 2020 at 11:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 265
Likes: 76
In my experience, low inflation can sometimes be exacerbated when braking but not noticed when regular tracking.
I believe the later C-3s had the same system as the early years; the only "regulator" is between the front and rear lines. It's not really a pressure regulator as much as a pressure-sensitive switch that activates the dash's brake warning light. There isn't any left/right pressure component unless a line, hose, or seal is leaking.
You could have a weak spot in one of the rubber hoses that balloons under braking pressure but looks normal otherwise. Replacing both is a good 10-year maintenance schedule.
I believe the later C-3s had the same system as the early years; the only "regulator" is between the front and rear lines. It's not really a pressure regulator as much as a pressure-sensitive switch that activates the dash's brake warning light. There isn't any left/right pressure component unless a line, hose, or seal is leaking.
You could have a weak spot in one of the rubber hoses that balloons under braking pressure but looks normal otherwise. Replacing both is a good 10-year maintenance schedule.
1. check for leaks
2. check for damaged brakes lines
3. check for damaged or irregular rotor (right side)
4. Bleed brakes and compare pressure to left side
5. check calipers
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
check calipers for stuck or sticky pistons. replace rubber lines.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2,466
From: Indiana
mine pulled too..kept thinking no leak...it was leaking...triple check for leaks even the smallest leak will make big difference. I learned 2 ways to check beyond visual i learned.. i was in denial on leak detection ..and also learned lesson on rebuilding with lip seals..use o rings
- see if you have streaks on back side of tire..
- clean the inside of wheel..check for residue..its amazing how hard small leaks are to find.
- of course other recommendations listed..
- last time you bled brakes? Fluid dark? Try a drip methos while cleaning inside of wheel..
good luck!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
First things first. Buy a turkey baster. Mark the baster with a Sharpie DOT3 Only so that no other liquids are ever used with it.
Open MC lid. Remove all but a quarter inch of the brake fluid. Do Not leave it dry.
Refill w/ fresh DOT3. Now you are ready to do any flushing, testing, replacing hoses, opening bleeders, replacing calipers, etc, w/o contaminating the MC and the entire brake system.
Like others said, most of your clues point to a right front caliper piston / seals issue or the brake hose failure.
One of the best tools to purchase soon would be a Hand Vacuum Pump for bleeding and a set of Line Wrenches.
Open MC lid. Remove all but a quarter inch of the brake fluid. Do Not leave it dry.
Refill w/ fresh DOT3. Now you are ready to do any flushing, testing, replacing hoses, opening bleeders, replacing calipers, etc, w/o contaminating the MC and the entire brake system.
Like others said, most of your clues point to a right front caliper piston / seals issue or the brake hose failure.
One of the best tools to purchase soon would be a Hand Vacuum Pump for bleeding and a set of Line Wrenches.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Before all the above^^^^, Make sure that your front end is in tip top shape:
Ball joints-upper and lower
Upper and lower control arm bushings
tie rod ends
Wheel bearings
Steering box has no play and the rag joint is not in any way worn
Pitman Arm
PS control valve
PS control ram
If all this ^^^^ perfect THEN start looking at other areas.
I would look at brake bleeding as well.......
Ball joints-upper and lower
Upper and lower control arm bushings
tie rod ends
Wheel bearings
Steering box has no play and the rag joint is not in any way worn
Pitman Arm
PS control valve
PS control ram
If all this ^^^^ perfect THEN start looking at other areas.
I would look at brake bleeding as well.......
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
A light dusting of baby powder on and around the caliper and line connection can find even the smallest leak. No need to even drive it. The leak will show itself if there. And it makes your caliper smell fresh.