Brake questions
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: USA
Brake questions
I'm planning some winter projects.
I have not been impressed with my brakes. They are Ok with normal driving, but take a little to much effort to stop in a panic situation. I am concerned about letting my wife drive the car. Earlier this summer, I noticed that I have a slight fluid leak from the back of the master cylinder. I have a new one on the shelf and will install it after putting a bias spring in it. I am going to change to SS lines while I'm at it.
Questions: Would the leak alone cause the problem? Should I replace the booster (or anything else) while I have it apart? Is bench bleeding necessary?
Thanks for the help.
I have not been impressed with my brakes. They are Ok with normal driving, but take a little to much effort to stop in a panic situation. I am concerned about letting my wife drive the car. Earlier this summer, I noticed that I have a slight fluid leak from the back of the master cylinder. I have a new one on the shelf and will install it after putting a bias spring in it. I am going to change to SS lines while I'm at it.
Questions: Would the leak alone cause the problem? Should I replace the booster (or anything else) while I have it apart? Is bench bleeding necessary?
Thanks for the help.
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From: Almost all Skyline Cruises Vettes at Waterside 1-5
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Originally Posted by TimV SR
I'm planning some winter projects.
I have not been impressed with my brakes. They are Ok with normal driving, but take a little to much effort to stop in a panic situation. I am concerned about letting my wife drive the car. Earlier this summer, I noticed that I have a slight fluid leak from the back of the master cylinder. I have a new one on the shelf and will install it after putting a bias spring in it. I am going to change to SS lines while I'm at it.
Questions: Would the leak alone cause the problem? Should I replace the booster (or anything else) while I have it apart? Is bench bleeding necessary?
Thanks for the help.
I have not been impressed with my brakes. They are Ok with normal driving, but take a little to much effort to stop in a panic situation. I am concerned about letting my wife drive the car. Earlier this summer, I noticed that I have a slight fluid leak from the back of the master cylinder. I have a new one on the shelf and will install it after putting a bias spring in it. I am going to change to SS lines while I'm at it.
Questions: Would the leak alone cause the problem? Should I replace the booster (or anything else) while I have it apart? Is bench bleeding necessary?
Thanks for the help.
pre 1988 single piston brakes were not good
1988 and up were better
Leak shouldn't be a factor except it indicates that leak may be around the main cylinder wall which could be a problem. You didn't indicate if pedal is soft or firm or needs pumping
When the booster goes bad it is geanerally " katy bar the door" lean on it hard to get the car stopped. Doesn't sound like you are there yet
give us more info
Jack
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,592
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From: USA
Originally Posted by jackdaroofer
Please give us the year of the vette and what brakes you have
pre 1988 single piston brakes were not good
1988 and up were better
Leak shouldn't be a factor except it indicates that leak may be around the main cylinder wall which could be a problem. You didn't indicate if pedal is soft or firm or needs pumping
When the booster goes bad it is geanerally " katy bar the door" lean on it hard to get the car stopped. Doesn't sound like you are there yet
give us more info
Jack
pre 1988 single piston brakes were not good
1988 and up were better
Leak shouldn't be a factor except it indicates that leak may be around the main cylinder wall which could be a problem. You didn't indicate if pedal is soft or firm or needs pumping
When the booster goes bad it is geanerally " katy bar the door" lean on it hard to get the car stopped. Doesn't sound like you are there yet
give us more info
Jack
'85, firm pedal, no pumping, new properly bedded pads and rotors last year. It fells OK during normal driving.
I locked up all fours last year during a spin-out, so I know I can do that. I was to busy crapping my pants to remember how hard I had to push the pedal. This year I had a hard stop when some one stopped quick in front of me. It wasn't like having no power assist, but I did have to stand on it pretty hard.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Brake fluid leaking from the rear of the master will travel down the booster pushrod and cause the diaphragm in the booster to disintegrate. This will lead to a hard pedal.
I would start with the master and think hard about a booster. I have had an autozone booster in my '88 for 3 years now and it's working fine, or you could pick up an aftermarket metal booster for a little more.
I would start with the master and think hard about a booster. I have had an autozone booster in my '88 for 3 years now and it's working fine, or you could pick up an aftermarket metal booster for a little more.
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Originally Posted by JCAIRE2
Brake fluid leaking from the rear of the master will travel down the booster pushrod and cause the diaphragm in the booster to disintegrate. This will lead to a hard pedal.
I would start with the master and think hard about a booster. I have had an autozone booster in my '88 for 3 years now and it's working fine, or you could pick up an aftermarket metal booster for a little more.
I would start with the master and think hard about a booster. I have had an autozone booster in my '88 for 3 years now and it's working fine, or you could pick up an aftermarket metal booster for a little more.
with the above, but remeber that pre 1988 brakes were only single piston, with very small front and rear pads...so they aren't going to compare favorably with brakes you will find on even newer sedansJack
