brake help needed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Centralia Illinois
brake help needed
the last few days the brake pedal on my 85 has been soft.
if I rest my foot on the brake like we would for an upcoming stop sign, the pedal may slowly go to the floor. pumping the pedal helps bring it back. it's not extremely bad now, but seems to be getting worse.
I noticed the fluid in the rear cylinder seems to be moving to the front cylinder and is full to the top. when i take the cap off, fluid flows over the top. Any suggestions. does this sound like a new master cylinder is in order? Thanks
if I rest my foot on the brake like we would for an upcoming stop sign, the pedal may slowly go to the floor. pumping the pedal helps bring it back. it's not extremely bad now, but seems to be getting worse.
I noticed the fluid in the rear cylinder seems to be moving to the front cylinder and is full to the top. when i take the cap off, fluid flows over the top. Any suggestions. does this sound like a new master cylinder is in order? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
pedal
the internal cylinder seals are starting to go. the one piston cup is pushing fluid to the other reservoir.
Yea it's time for a master cylinder.
it's possible for it to totally fail, but not likely.
but I wouldn't drive it if I were u till I got it fixed.
Yea it's time for a master cylinder.
it's possible for it to totally fail, but not likely.
but I wouldn't drive it if I were u till I got it fixed.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,230
Likes: 7,826
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yep New or rebuild master
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Concord, California
I concure, you need to get a new master cylinder. Same thing happened to mine, I thought I needed my lines bled and fill with new fluid, then I thought it was air in the hydrolic then finally someone who knows instantly said get a new MS and dont friggen drive man!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Yeah, change that asap. When it happened to me, I overnighted the new M/C. Sounds like the front circuit is leaking internally back into the reservoir due to a bad seal or scored cylinder bore. Don't mess with the rebuild kits, get a new unit. Thanks for the excellent description, you have no idea how many vaguely described brake problems get posted in here.
Ecklers had the '85 piece selling for $120 when I got mine, but I think they since corrected the price. Try rockauto.com as well if you can't find a good local price and can afford to wait 2-3 days.
Ecklers had the '85 piece selling for $120 when I got mine, but I think they since corrected the price. Try rockauto.com as well if you can't find a good local price and can afford to wait 2-3 days.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Dec 13, 2006 at 11:12 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
Mine went totally (and suddenly) on the highway a few years ago. Those years of driving crappy cars in my youth served me well that day! How good does your emergency brake work?
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Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 1
From: "Drive like Hell, you'll get there faster." Tucson AZ
I think I might have the same prob. My vettes been sitting for over 3 weeks. Now that I finally get it started and driving again....I think I'm starting to notice a light pedal. Assuming I can get the part(master cylinder).......Is this something that isnt extremely difficult to do yourself on a '90 or is this something that's better to be done through a mechanic? Also, how long would this take hour-wise and/or does anyone have a list of instructions to change this out?
Last edited by MaSTeRofDZaSTeR; Dec 14, 2006 at 02:00 AM.
