Topic: Brakes
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Former Member
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Moore, SC - USA
Joined: 8/23/2002
Posts: 28
Vette(s): Two 1982 Collector's Editions
I stepped on the brakes, and stopped in the middle of an intersection. The pads are good - this is a low mileage car. The peddle goes to the floor. I checked the brake fluid, and one of the wells was empty.
You have to excuse me, but I rarely look at brake fluid (I guess it is mandatory with old cars) but should both wells be filled with the proper brake fluid?
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Former Member
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Mint Hill, NC - USA
Joined: 10/25/2007
Posts: 123
Vette(s): 1982 White Corvette, dark blue leather interior, 70,000 miles
Yes indeed! both sides need to have fluid. You need to definitely check for leaks at the calipers and look around your master cylinder for leaks. Check your lines also. I guess what I am saying is do a thorough inspection of your brake system.

HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
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.
Yes!! If the pads have fairly low mileage, the wells should be close to full. Definitely something wrong there. Have a look at the short rubber brake lines on all 4 corners if something suddenly let go and your foot went to the floor, they are a likely culprit...
Good luck and be careful!
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10-4 on the well. If your pedal went to the floor, chances are you have air in your lines, and they will have to be bled. But first like the guy's said you need to find out where the fluid went.
It could also be that the rubber lines have collapsed from the inside. Mine did and the leak was at the drivers side rear corner. Couldn't tell it on inspection till it was off the car. New steel lines and new calipers on all four sides will set your mind at ease.
[QUOTE=twocorvettes]...this is a low mileage car.... [/QUOTE]

The problem is not related to mileage; it's related to age. The calipers will eventually leak as they get older and caliper rebuild will eventually be needed.
You've reached that point.

Former Member
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Moore, SC - USA
Joined: 8/23/2002
Posts: 28
Vette(s): Two 1982 Collector's Editions
Thanks for the input. I guess its not a simple matter of adding the proper brake fluid. DNV's reply is what concerns me; if there is air in the lines, then they need to bled.
One can never be at ease; stainlees steel lines would be great, and my project C3 will have them. This is an NCRS Top Flight car, so Stainless is not an option right now.
You will need to fill the master cylynder and then bleed your breaks, during the bleeding process you can inspect each weel for leaks.I beleive the rear well is for the rear brakes. the perportional should have set to wichever side still has good brake presure giving you either front or rear brakes only. indicated by your dash brake light remaining on. if no evedence of leaks and the bleeding resets everything you can just keep an eye on the master cylender.

Joined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo
1969 Convert Big Block
1996 Grand Sport Convert
I'n this Case a Low Milage Car is more likely to have Brake problems than one that is Used. It has probably sat for extended Times with Standard Dot 3 Fluid that has Absorbed Water. This Means that the Caliper Bores have Rusted and when the Car was finally Driven the Pistons were Pushed past the Rust and it Ruined the Seals. Sounds bad but it is a Typical Corvette thing that has happened to 1000's before. If water was in the Brake Lines long enough it can Rust out a Line to. The Low spot in the Crossover Line in the rear is the most likely to Go. For what ever reason You lost Brake fluid and Your going to have to find where it went. If a Caliper is Leaking then You will probably want to send it in and Have it Sleaved with a Stainless insert. There are a Number of People who do this. Vette Brakes and Products has served me well. For the NCRS I'd not do the Exchange Program I'd send in Yours and wait for there return. Tell them You don't want there Name Stamped on them Cause Your going to have the car Judged. Other than that there is no way for the NCRS to tell they have been Sleaved. If Your not planning to Drive this Car much You should also think about switching to Silicone Brake Fluid as it dosn't absorb water. Had this been done 26 Years ago You wouldn't have any of these Problems You do now. Oh, by the way I replaced to Crossover Line and all my Stainless Jumper Lines today on my 80'.
Former Member
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Moore, SC - USA
Joined: 8/23/2002
Posts: 28
Vette(s): Two 1982 Collector's Editions
Thanks Banks 80, that was really useful stuff, especially the information on how to stay as original as possible for NCRS judging.
I noted the lift in your pictures. What brand and model is your lift?
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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