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Locked Up (1/19)
6/28/10 8:21pm

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

After just getting the car home from shop "B" on Friday night, the car is now in shop "A." I washed and waxed it Saturday and was on my way to a show tonight when the car started to pull VERY hard to the right. I had been having some trouble with the brakes and quickly figured out that the caliper was locking up. I was just over a mile from home, but decided as hot as it had gotten already that it was probably best to get it towed.

I called my primary shop and they had a truck there in about 20 minutes. I've owned the car for over four years and this was the first time I've ever had to have it towed.

Well, assuming it is the brakes, I have considered replacing the calipers with Stainless Steel ones for a while, but I'm not 100% sure that's the full problem. I was also losing some stiffness in the pedal, so I'm wondering if the master cylinder may also be going.

MAM has a full brake kit (minus master cylinder) for $840 (core charge of $200 included). Master Cylinder is another $90.

I trust the shop where the car is currently, so I believe they will tell me the true needs of the car currently, but I'm interested in the diagnosis of the crew here as well. I'm also interested in possible other options for the parts. If the car only needs one caliper, what are the thoughts on replacing just the one? I have the money put aside for the full set, so I'm thinking that's the way to go.

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I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

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Locked Up (2/19)
6/28/10 8:57pm

yostusota
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York, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top

Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518

Sad to hear you're having trouble..mine was towed Thursday..It's a tough call on the brakes..I guess the saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it..I try not to fit into that to well,,as I was looking to replace all that I am now before the tow..I guess if you haven't done the stainless cups in the calipers yet I wouldn't even try to rebuild them//unless they are not pitted or corroded..it's worth a look-a rebuild kit from Advance is only 10-12 bucks so if it can be done it is worth it..going all out on the brakes is a awesome thing to do..and if you haven't done them yet I would do all 4..chances are if you only fix one another will leak one the way home.

Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010

Locked Up (3/19)
6/28/10 9:33pm

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

Well, since ya still got all that bonus $$$$. Do all four in SS and new hoses. Flush out the brake fluid and put the silicone fluid in.

It would be ashame to get all that new glass work done and not be able to stop. WOAH TONTO WOAH!!!! Wink

Wink

Good Luck bud.

Evil Smile

ebo

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ebo

Locked Up (4/19)
6/28/10 11:08pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

See, Marshall...that's what happens when ya decide to "modify" a low mile original...it's payin ya back!!!

See how bad it is first, then make a decision on what all to replace. The hoses would be the #1 deal for me...these calipers don't really have a reputation for the pistons locking up in them. If you go for a caliper change/repair, definitely do all of them at the same time.

Let us know what they say!

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Locked Up (5/19)
6/29/10 6:52am

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Truth be told, the car didn't receive any modifications - and the shop I had looked forward to working with to potentially do them disappointed me so much that I will (hopefully) never return to them.

One of the things I had asked them about was the brakes. The owner told me "he checked them and they were fine." Not sure if he would have been able to diagnose the problem I'm now having just by looking, but looking back, at the time he told me that, I don't think they had even touched the car.

The one thing they did do was to repair the nose and spray it, so now that that is done, any modifications, if they happen, will be delayed for some time.

I'll keep everyone informed on the issue with the brakes.

______________

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

��

States Visited Map

target=_blank>Click for another pic!�� And yet another!

Locked Up (6/19)
6/29/10 8:13am

crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

Whew... I felt better after reading your post, from the title I thought we were going to have to scrape together bail money for you.

Locked Up (7/19)
6/29/10 9:01am

turbo78vair
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Franklin, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 pace car replica

Joined: 5/3/2008
Posts: 117

Marshall, wish you the best in getting your troubles diagnosed and repaired. Our '78 PC is headed off on a U-haul later this morning to a local gentleman who will check out what's amiss in the rear end. Something squeaking! Could be u-joints, could be bearings, dont' know yet. Really don't know anything about the history on the car. With 165k on it, several things have likely been worked on, but I really don't know.

Take care - don't polish too hard on that new nose work.

GaryC - Franklin, IN

Locked Up (8/19)
6/29/10 1:18pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

[QUOTE=manget1]the car didn't receive any modifications[/QUOTE]

Yeah...but you were thinkin aboot it!!!

Hope they can figure it out without too much pain!

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Locked Up (9/19)
6/29/10 4:31pm

turbo78vair
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Franklin, IN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 pace car replica

Joined: 5/3/2008
Posts: 117

Marshall, update on our '78 - left outside u joint is shot. They will proceed to replace all joints. After half shafts are out, can better tell condition of the trailing arms.

Frame looks great - good news.

Take care - good luck with brake work.
Gary

Locked Up (10/19)
6/29/10 8:20pm

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Check out the kits from Vette Brakes. I got a great deal from them.

Locked Up (11/19)
6/29/10 11:24pm

lbbounder
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Florence, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe; yellow, 4 speed, one option car with original engine

Joined: 9/9/2007
Posts: 143

I had a brake stick two years ago, it also got pretty hot. To make a long story short, I replaced brake hoses twice, another mechanic changed the rear caliper, (not the one that got hot), many, many, brake bleeds, and a master cylinder it turned out the seals in the "hot" caliper were pouring out brake fluid. So I replaced that caliper and rotor, now all is well.

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1977 Coupe

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1996 Grand Sport

1984 coupe
1974 coupe
1964 roadster

Locked Up (12/19)
6/29/10 11:44pm

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Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am

Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7191

Touch base with Larry and Mike at Corvette Specialties (be sure to tell them you're a C3VR member). I got a complete set of calipers and pads from them last summer for a fraction of the MAM cost. Also replaced all of the flexible hoses and eventually ended up replacing the master cylinder.

Unless you're planning on regular race track time I wouldn't go with the silicone brake fluid (DOT5). Regular fluid (DOT3) is all you need for normal driving.

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Jim Olson

"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Locked Up (13/19)
6/30/10 9:13am

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

[QUOTE=Norsky]Touch base with Larry and Mike at Corvette Specialties (be sure to tell them you're a C3VR member). I got a complete set of calipers and pads from them last summer for a fraction of the MAM cost. Also replaced all of the flexible hoses and eventually ended up replacing the master cylinder.

Unless you're planning on regular race track time I wouldn't go with the silicone brake fluid (DOT5). Regular fluid (DOT3) is all you need for normal driving.

[/QUOTE]

Truth, or Fiction ? .....I was told years ago that regular brake fluid keeps moisture from condensation and that silicone does not. Many years of storage rusted my internal parts of calipers and my mechanic said if you are to continue storage for this car you need to go to SS and silicone. He said unless I like replacing brake parts.

It has proven itself for me.

So does the silicone have more resistance to moisture? Or was he just blowing smoke Shocked

Shocked

Evil Smile

ebo

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ebo

Locked Up (14/19)
6/30/10 1:11pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

Silicon based brake fluids will not absorb moisture like "normal" brake fluid. The problem with the silicon fluids is compression....it will compress, unlike regular fluids, so the pedal will feel softer with the silicon fluids. The silicons will also tolerate higher operating temps.
If you don't really drive your car(s), except to shows and stuff, silicon brake fluids might be the hot ticket. It will certainly keep the rust bunnies away from the caliper guts.

If you actually get to drive yer cars regularly, I would absolutely stay away from the silicon fluids, and just flush the system once a year or so, so keep the fluid fresh.

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Locked Up (15/19)
6/30/10 9:29pm

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Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am

Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7191

I guess it really doesn't matter what brake fluid you use - moisture in the system, whether absorbed in the fluid or not, is going to rust brake inards. Flushing the fluid on a regular basis will get the moisture out.

______________

Jim Olson

"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!

Locked Up (16/19)
7/1/10 6:03am

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]

Whew... I felt better after reading your post, from the title I thought we were going to have to scrape together bail money for you.

[/QUOTE]

Chip, I haven't needed that kind of help since... Well, we won't get in to that now

UPDATE: The shop called me yesterday and told me that it was a hose. They got it replaced and I got the car back last night. Previously, it had been pulling to the right (the caliper that eventually locked up) for some time and now it's no longer doing that at all.

Not nearly as painful as I expected. Thanks for all the help and advice!

______________

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

��

States Visited Map

target=_blank>Click for another pic!�� And yet another!

Locked Up (17/19)
7/1/10 12:27pm

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

All right! still got $$$ in the POT!!

ebo

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ebo

Locked Up (18/19)
7/1/10 10:26pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20129

Happy to hear it wasn't to painful!!! Clap

Clap

phew

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Locked Up (19/19)
7/1/10 11:27pm

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North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top

Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

Glad it worked out. Now go enjoy it!

Scott

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