URGENT - Need help with brake issue!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Madre California
URGENT - Need help with brake issue!
So I got into my '88 vert just now to pick up dinner and notice the brake pedal getting soft and going almost to the floor. I pulled over and see that the front brake reservoir is empty. I babied it home and discovered that, while the front one was empty, the rear one overflowed when I took the rubber cap off. Has anyone ever encountered this before?
I would greatly appreciate guidance from anyone who is familiar with this; my Vette is my daily driver.
I would greatly appreciate guidance from anyone who is familiar with this; my Vette is my daily driver.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,966
Likes: 709
From: WI
Sounds like the seals in the master cylinder wore out. You either need to rebuild it or replace it. This will require the new or rebuilt m/c to be bench bled of air while filled with brake fluid and then bleed each wheel too. It's pretty simple to do if you work on cars. The m/c bleed kit is just hoses to recirculate fluid, cheap to buy or make with spare hose.
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
I would also do an extensive inspection of the rest of the hydraulic system front to rear looking for signs of brake fluid loss, especially wet spots under the vehicle. While indeed you could have fluid bypassing seals in your m/c, there is usually a small relief cut into the top portion of the divider wall that separates the two m/c compartments that should allow any excess fluid from one compartment to overflow into the dry compartment. Also, look for brake fluid seepage on the brake booster where the master cylinder mates up with the booster. I hope this helps.
