C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

still have brake problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 25, 2003 | 06:14 PM
  #1  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default still have brake problems

I bleed the master cylinder then gravity bleed the brakes. I manually bleed the brakes as recommened . I have a real good pedal,but when i start the car the pedal goes to the floor.could the booster be the culprit.
:banghead:
I have replaced the master cylinder and all four calipers .
:mad


[Modified by REC3, 3:18 AM 10/26/2003]
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2003 | 06:27 PM
  #2  
Big Fish's Avatar
Big Fish
Safety Car
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

More likely it's the master cylinder, if youare not losing fluid anywhere. Welcome to the forum! :cheers:
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2003 | 09:11 AM
  #3  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (Big Fish)

hey BIG FISH, I PUT A NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND NEW CALIPERS.
DO YOU STILL THINK ITS THE MASTER CYLINDER.
REC3
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2003 | 09:26 AM
  #4  
terry82's Avatar
terry82
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

did you bleed the brakes in the proper order ?i think it is rr. lr.rf.lf.also check vac line to the brake booster if that is alright ,afterruning motor for a minute or two ,where the hose goes into the booster try pulling it out alittle bit to see if you have vacuume in the booster .when i changed my rear calibers it did take awhile to get all the air out .
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2003 | 09:29 AM
  #5  
Big Fish's Avatar
Big Fish
Safety Car
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

Yes, I would still be favoring the master cylinder. The pedal linkage is basically a direct connection to the piston of the master cylinder, only assisted by the booster diaphragm. Was your master cylinder new or rebuilt? I've had considerable problems with rebuilt components, but I suppose even a new one can be defective. You mentioned the master was bled, by bench method? Could still have some air, but seems odd you would get a good pedal height then it goes away once started. Could try bench bleeding the master cylinder again.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2003 | 11:54 AM
  #6  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (Big Fish)

Thanks Big Fish !!
The master cylinder is rebuilt . I bench bleed it , blew out the lines and started fresh . First I bleed the brakes to distribute the fluid , then gravity bleed . I bleed the master cylinder agian , then bleed the brakes . Good pedal . After starting the car , no pedal . I removed the vacume line from the booster . got a good pedal . When I replaced the vacume line I got no pedal agian . I guess I will try starting over , if that doesn't work I can repalce the master cylinder agian .
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2003 | 11:31 AM
  #7  
Big Fish's Avatar
Big Fish
Safety Car
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

I am second guessing myself now, this is a strange problem. Do you get the brake warning light when the pedal goes to the floor? if so, could be the master cylinder is OK, but there is still air in the lines and/or calipers. No light? I would still favor the master cylinder. These systems are not easy to bleed. Logic would say bleed RR inner, then outer first, then LR, RF, LF. Sometimes you can get better results bleeding LR first. This is a 2 person job, one in the car depressing the pedal, another closing the bleeder at the bottom of the pedal stroke, then repeat until all air purged from each bleeder. It helps to have a hose from each bleeder held below the fluid level in your bleeder jar to observe any air bubbles with each pedal stroke.
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2003 | 07:08 PM
  #8  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (Big Fish)

Hi BIG FISH.
I DO GET THE BRAKE LIGHT WHEN THE THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR.
I'AM GOING TO TRY AND BLEED THEM AGAIN THIS WEEKEND,I'LL LET YOU
KNOW WHAT HAPPEN'S THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
GREAT LOOKING CAR YOU HAVE THERE,HOPE MINE WILL LOOK AS GOOD
SOME DAY.
REC3
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 27, 2003 | 07:17 PM
  #9  
redwingvette's Avatar
redwingvette
Safety Car
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

How are you bleeing them. Foot pedal, vacuum, or pressure bleeder? I have done them all three ways and not had any problems. If you are using the gravity method then I suggest you try to pressure bleed them. I have had the valve shift and not let enough flow to the rears to get all the air out.
Good luck
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2003 | 07:20 PM
  #10  
flood's Avatar
flood
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 2
From: CO
Default Re: still have brake problems (redwingvette)

plus the rear have two bleeder valves :cheers:
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2003 | 07:22 PM
  #11  
SmokedTires's Avatar
SmokedTires
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

I'm currently see similar results with my own car, but have manual brakes :crazy: . I will be looking to replace the MC while I have the car apart over winter ;) . I'm interested to see what you find :cheers:
Reply
Old Nov 5, 2003 | 06:21 PM
  #12  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

I TRIED BLEEDING THE BRAKES AGAIN THIS WEEKEND WITH A VACUME
PUMP NO LUCK. SO I TRIED THE GRAVITY SYSTEM AGAIN FOR TWO HOURS
ON THE REAR WHEEL AND ALL GET IS AIR BUBBLES. I DON'T SEE ANY LEAKS
SO WHERE IS THE ---- AIR COMING FROM.
NEED HELP BAD.
THANKS REC3 :mad
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2003 | 06:41 PM
  #13  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

does anyone know what my problem is . i tried the gravity bleeding again
all i get is air bubbles. :confused:
REC3.


[Modified by REC3, 11:42 PM 11/9/2003]
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2003 | 06:54 PM
  #14  
Larry B.'s Avatar
Larry B.
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

If you have a rebuilt master cylinder, that is most likely the problem .. Rebuilt parts (even brake cylinders) are know for being very poor quality. Usually the box is worth more than the part. Junk!
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2003 | 11:52 PM
  #15  
Big Fish's Avatar
Big Fish
Safety Car
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

[QUOTE]does anyone know what my problem is . i tried the gravity bleeding again
all i get is air bubbles.

If all you get is air bubbles, the problem is simple: there is still air in the system, providing you have been keeping the master cylinder full throughout the bleeding process.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2003 | 04:30 PM
  #16  
REC3's Avatar
REC3
Thread Starter
Cruising
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Clyo GA
Default Re: still have brake problems (Big Fish)

I keep the master cylinder full all the time. yet i still get air bubbles, a lot of them.
thanks REC3.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2003 | 07:05 PM
  #17  
Big Fish's Avatar
Big Fish
Safety Car
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

I would try the 2 person bleeding again. Start with left front, then right front, then left rear inner,then outer, then right rear inner, then outer. You are bsically working from shortest line to longest line. Be sure to open the bleeder and fully depress the brake pedal each time, hold to the floor, then close the bleeder valve, then release the pedal and repeat until all air is purged from each location. The idea here is to prevent air entering the system from a shorter line that is still holding air. If that won't do it have the brakes power bled by a service shop that has the equipment. These systems are not easy to get the air out of, I wound up having mine power bled as well, and have had no problems.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2003 | 08:48 PM
  #18  
80Xflags's Avatar
80Xflags
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

I had some problems getting all the air out of my system too when I replace the calipers and the MC. I ended up bleeding the air out of the MC on the car then gravity bleeding the calipers for about two weeks :lol: . . . that wasn't quite intentional, but it worked out well :D . My pedal seems to be firm when the car is off, and when I start the car, it goes down quite a bit, but not to the floor. However, it doesn't take that much pressure for the brakes to start slowing the car down. I haven't tried locking the wheels, but the car passed the state inspection.

Matt
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2003 | 09:09 PM
  #19  
Skeets's Avatar
Skeets
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: London
Default Re: still have brake problems (REC3)

i TOTALLY sympathise! i had the same problem... starting the engine and suddenly my pedal was gone. Rebuilt my master cylinder (for the second time) but no luck.
My calipers weren't brand new though, and i found a bit of a leak in one of the front calipers... once i replaced the seal things got better.... though not great. Then i noticed that my (fairly old) brake pads were actually a bit warped (the metal plate bit).. therefore there was quite a bit of pedal travel before the entire brake pad was pressing properly against the disk (not a very clear technical description, sorry!)... anyway, changed my pads and it made quite a difference.
I presume you've got new pads anyway, but though i'd mention it!

good luck :smash:
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To still have brake problems





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:35 AM.

story-0
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-4
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE