Help my brakes
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Help my brakes
Hi im new to corvettes, and well classic cars in all actually just getting into it only 20 years old. My brakes are not working, they dont pump up at all so my first guess is master cylinder... But im also wandering if it could be the power booster? anyways if its the master cylinder im wandering if i could just throw on a 1986 brake master cylinder instead of spending $120 on one for my 1984... Sory if this was posted before couldnt find it, any advise would help thanks
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
Sorry to hear you're having brake problems. From your description of, they don't pump up, the first thing you should do is look for a leak at the calipers and all the lines.
It would be too hard to say what the problem is as that would be sending you off on buying things you may not need. My best suggestion is, go to an auto parts store and buy a Hayne's repair manual on C4 Corvettes. Ask the parts counter guy what he thinks too. You'd be able to describe better in talking to with him.
It could be the master, it could be the booster, it could be a leak as well. Take a breath, buy the book and talk to someone in person.
It would be too hard to say what the problem is as that would be sending you off on buying things you may not need. My best suggestion is, go to an auto parts store and buy a Hayne's repair manual on C4 Corvettes. Ask the parts counter guy what he thinks too. You'd be able to describe better in talking to with him.
It could be the master, it could be the booster, it could be a leak as well. Take a breath, buy the book and talk to someone in person.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
My83432 is correct on what he said on what the booster does. But, they do go bad and leak air making it harder to push the pedal.
You say you have no brakes and they won't pump up. What does that mean. Does the pedal go all the way to the floor? If so, then your leaking brake fluid from somewhere. Being you were pumping fluid was coming out and air going in. Sounds like you have a leak. Check all hard line fittings and the fittings at the proportioning valve. And check your calipers for leaks.
You say you have no brakes and they won't pump up. What does that mean. Does the pedal go all the way to the floor? If so, then your leaking brake fluid from somewhere. Being you were pumping fluid was coming out and air going in. Sounds like you have a leak. Check all hard line fittings and the fittings at the proportioning valve. And check your calipers for leaks.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
i had my brother in law a mechanic looking at it and its the master, so im just replacing that today. Thanks for the help though im picking up on things now though it was easy to figure out once i knew that if it was the powerbooster it would be harder to push down. THanks yall
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Amungstus,
It's not the booster.
How's the fluid in the master? any leaks at wheels or lines to wheels or ABS unit?
Simple sugestion, buy a quart of DOT-3 (not dot-3/4) and bleed the brakes (be sure to follow proper wheel sequence for FSM).
If the pedal still goes to the floor, Then check to see if there is any pressure getting to any of the wheels (jack up and spin wheel while pressing brake pedal).
If there is none or nearly none, it sounds like the master is gone.
Regarding being able to use a 86 on an 84, ONLY if a parts house/dealer says it is the same one -- as there are finite adjustments of the rod which connects to the booster that may not be the same between years.
It's not the booster.
How's the fluid in the master? any leaks at wheels or lines to wheels or ABS unit?
Simple sugestion, buy a quart of DOT-3 (not dot-3/4) and bleed the brakes (be sure to follow proper wheel sequence for FSM).
If the pedal still goes to the floor, Then check to see if there is any pressure getting to any of the wheels (jack up and spin wheel while pressing brake pedal).
If there is none or nearly none, it sounds like the master is gone.
Regarding being able to use a 86 on an 84, ONLY if a parts house/dealer says it is the same one -- as there are finite adjustments of the rod which connects to the booster that may not be the same between years.
