As I continue to struggle to get acceptable brakes, I wonder if the original M/C come withn bleeder screws?

The one that was on my car when I bought it in '88 did not, and the new one I got from Corvette Central did not.

I would think bleeders on the M/C make it a lot easire to bleed. And that might just be the demon I'm fighting here.

Thanks

BB NJ Ken

Thanks all;

Tom, I've rebuilt all the calipers( previously SS sleeved), adding the O-ring pistons, new rotors, SS flex Brake lines, new M/C, new Power Brake booster. The pedal just doesn't feel right, and the initial bite of the pads when I apply the brakes doesn't feel as if they are getting all the pressure. No leaks anywhere.

The most frustrating part of this is that I did most of the above ( less the O ring ocaliper pistons) to my '67 ragtop 25 years ago with excellant results.

I started by gravity bleeding, moved on to pressure bleeding by pedal, and then tried vac. bleeding the system. My latest experience was Friday when I cruised the neigborhood with my son, gingerly trying the brakes, listening to all the new strange noises the car now makes ( I'm thinking rear wheel bearings, or parking Brake at the very least). However, I was able to lock up the front brakes in a simulated panic stop, so there is some hope.

On a real positive note, my chambered exhaust seems to enjoy setting off car alarms along my route.

Ah well

I guess this is why it's called a hobby, although I seem to recall that there is supposed to be fun somewhere in it!!


NJ BB Ken

the replacement I bought for my last 69 did..

you can still bleed without the bleeders its just more of a PITA...

you have to have a bleeder kit.. they usually come with the MC

it has some little plastic fittings that screw in the brake line holes and have hose barb ends on them.

My 72 does not have bleeders. I got a replacement Master cylinder at Autozone. After core exchange it was only 14.99 and its identical to the factory one I took off. I couldn't see paying the corvette suppliers prices for what they call an original piece.

Make sure you take them out of the box and look at them. The ones at O-reilly's and Advance looked like a turd, nothing like the factory piece thats the reason I went with Autozone piece.

It included everything to bench bleed the master cylinder. This is really what you need to do. You can do this on the car.

Basically, just as Ben said, you install the pipe fittings in the locations of the two main brake lines that exit the master cylinder, attach the bleeder lines to them and run them up to their appropriate resevoir on the master cylinder. Pump away until you see no bubbles. Attach your brake lines and bleed the system.

If you replaced your master cylinder there should have been specific instructions in the box and the correct stuf to bench bleed it.

If you don't have the bleeders, just leave the rubber plugs in the master cylinder, mount it on the car, and slowly pump the pedal. When the plugs start to pop and spray fluid, remove the plug and connect the line. Pump the pedal a few more times and do the same with the other line. Once both lines are connected, you can loosen and tighten the lines and bleed them just like you do with the wheel bleeders. This will get most if not all air from the master.

I often replace master cylinders and get everything out without ever opening the bleeders. Of course then I go to the bleeders and flush clean fluid through the system. You want clean fluid, but it's easier when you are not pushing any air through the system.

One note. Push the pedal SLOW AND EASY! You don't want to spray brake fluid all over the engine compartment and fender. It eats paint.

I also bought my master cylinder at AutoZone, as well as my brake calipers. All operate very fine, and look the same as OEM. And it's way cheaper then the Vette suppliers.

I got my M.C. from the Zone too. It was a reman and even has the correct casting # and bleeders.

I wasn't concerned about Correct part number as much as the correct look. Lifetime warranty too.

Good deal compared to shopping from one of the suppliers.

I totally agree shark! I was looking for a functioning part with warranty as well, I just got lucky!

My 72 has a Master Cyl with 2 bleeders ... but it is not original..I replaced the original about 10-15 years ago, but from memory it also had the same bleeder setup...

Been years since I had to replace a Master cylinder that did not have bleeders...and I think I bench bleed it... and it was on a 51 Ford ... and I was still in High School...

Bob Griffiths

Ken, I chased brake problems on my 80 for weeks, and used it seemed like gallons of brake fluid,after changing several MC and all the calipers the fix was changing out the rubber brake hoses that go to each caliper with stainless braided lines and my problem was solved. My pedal is nice and hard and the car stops too.The stainless lines, for all four wheels when for 75.00 well worth it.

Good Luck
Tom