1985 Brake Problem
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 43
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1985 Brake Problem
I've got a brake problem and a brake question. First I recently bought a 1985 and the brakes were pretty good. Now when I step on the brake the pedal continues to travel downward. There is resistance but it doesn't stop.If I let off and press it again it is better but not like it should be. I can't find a leak anywhere. One of the fluid bowls is about half full and the other is full. I mean full to the point of flowing over the top if I take the top off. I suspect the master cylinder is bypassing. Yes or no. Secondly, how can I tell if the brakes are original equipment. With a car that's 32 years old you never know what changes previous owners have made.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
The bowls have marks and they are the same. Sounds like you need a master cyl. You can reuse the bowls in some cases. Inspect the brake pads if they are low change them out anyway.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Last edited by xrav22; Jun 16, 2017 at 08:41 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Your rubber brake hoses may be old and swelling up when you step on the pedal. Have them inspected by someone who knows what they are doing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
with xrav22....you need new master cylinder. The brake fluid is seeping around the seals in the master cylinder. The rubber brake lines with age will bulge a little when pressure is applied to the brake, but you will still stop. Brake would feel a little spongy. I would suggest that when you change the MC you replace the rubber brake lines with stainless steel lines.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
with xrav22....you need new master cylinder. The brake fluid is seeping around the seals in the master cylinder. The rubber brake lines with age will bulge a little when pressure is applied to the brake, but you will still stop. Brake would feel a little spongy. I would suggest that when you change the MC you replace the rubber brake lines with stainless steel lines.Master cylinder, Bleed the brakes to be sure.
I replaced my master cylinder a few weeks ago, brake fluid was bypassing the seals.
The pedal was fine at first application however would slowly go down, while waiting at traffic lights.
Be sure to bleed the brakes first to ensure there is no air in the brake lines.
See below what I got, the master cylinder bleeding kit prior to fitting to car is handy
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Master...lZMciM&vxp=mtr
Last edited by gerardvg; Jun 18, 2017 at 09:08 PM.
