1988 braking issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 133
Likes: 6
From: Dallas, TX
1988 braking issues
Hello all, I just got my 88 back up and running, and now it's time to address the brakes. I've had her running a few times in the 9 months I've owned her and never driven it more than maybe 150 feet. I really have to slam the pedal to get her to brake, like mash it into the floor to attempt to stop. The previous owner said it needed a new brake booster, but I want to know what y'all think it is. The pedal feels ok like it should start braking when the pressure builds, but it just doesn't. I'm pretty lost and would like to know how to get it to brake as it should and what I would need to upgrade/install for a C5/C6 brake upgrade. Any help is appreciated!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 394
From: Liberty, SC
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My take is that if the pedal is very stiff to push down that is most likely a booster problem. If the pedal goes down and down then it is more likely hydraulic related. Whether that is in the master cylinder, the lines or any of the caliper/slave cyls, thats for you to dig into. Check the master cylinder, see if there's fluid in it. Work your way down the lines from there.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 133
Likes: 6
From: Dallas, TX
My take is that if the pedal is very stiff to push down that is most likely a booster problem. If the pedal goes down and down then it is more likely hydraulic related. Whether that is in the master cylinder, the lines or any of the caliper/slave cyls, thats for you to dig into. Check the master cylinder, see if there's fluid in it. Work your way down the lines from there.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
Get a brake line pressure gauge (https://www.jegs.com/i/Leed-Brakes/633/BPG001/10002/-1) and see if you have equal and high enough, at least 8-900 psi. This will rule out the master, lines and ABS unit.
