Brakes: '74 Stingray
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1
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Brakes: '74 Stingray
Well, as you can see I'm new to posting here, so if I do anything wrong let me know. 
Anywho, I test-drove a '74 tonight I'm looking at buying and he told us the brakes were loose on it. It was true and I was just wondering the most likely causes. He mentioned it could be the master cylinder or would it just be wear from being driven? Or is it something totally different?
If you need more information just ask and I'll try to specify.
Anywho, I test-drove a '74 tonight I'm looking at buying and he told us the brakes were loose on it. It was true and I was just wondering the most likely causes. He mentioned it could be the master cylinder or would it just be wear from being driven? Or is it something totally different?
If you need more information just ask and I'll try to specify.
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I assume you are saying they are spongey or didnt stop as soon as they should, If so it is most likley there is air in the system, an easy fix, but it also may be leaky calipers wich is more expensive, look at the inside of the sidewalls ansd see if there is any fluid on the tires, if so they are leaking, If it were the power booster you will get a very hard pedel preasure, master cylinders are farly cheap so you may also chek it too after bleeding and if none of the brakes are leaking
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,457
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Loose brakes??? I gotta say-I've been here since Feb of '99 and that's a first for me. Sounds like it's "loose" screws in that 74's owner's head.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Brake Job
Hello,
The brakes on the Vette were pretty simple to replace. I have read some postings that suggested replacing the calipers as part of a brake overhaul. The pistons in the caliper may be leaking, which is why michaels1fst69 may have suggested looking for fluid.
Anyway, that is part of the fun and learning experience of owning both a classic car, an older car, and a Vette.
kdf 1973 454
kdf 1986 L98
The brakes on the Vette were pretty simple to replace. I have read some postings that suggested replacing the calipers as part of a brake overhaul. The pistons in the caliper may be leaking, which is why michaels1fst69 may have suggested looking for fluid.
Anyway, that is part of the fun and learning experience of owning both a classic car, an older car, and a Vette.
kdf 1973 454
kdf 1986 L98
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 0
From: Canton Ohio
I guess you could say I have the infamous "loose brakes" too. At first it was a leaky caliper, then a hole in the brake line, next air in the lines, then a bad master, and another hole in the line. So you want to check the inner sidewalls of the tires for sprayed brake fluid from the caliper, any loss of fluid in the master cylinder, and try to bleed them in Corvette order
Rear Left
Rear Right
Front Left
Front Right
I know its backward but thats what the manual says.
But brake equipment is not that expensive, just as long as you dont have to get it all at once. So track down the air in the lines and you should have a good pedal!
Dan
Rear Left
Rear Right
Front Left
Front Right
I know its backward but thats what the manual says.
But brake equipment is not that expensive, just as long as you dont have to get it all at once. So track down the air in the lines and you should have a good pedal!
Dan
