Topic: Poor Brakes after replacement
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Hey guys? I just did the right side of my '82 with calipers and I'm pretty sure I have to do the other side. I've done pads all around and replaced the front flexible lines. After all that, I've got worse brakes than when I started.
Someone suggested that the master cylinder needs changing. If I do the master cylinder, should I do the booster too?
I'll keep reading. I'm not sure if someone covered this already.
I'm not extremely skilled and consider working on my own brakes like packing my own parachute. I'm tempted to farm out the master cylinder.
What do you think?
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Gary I just replaced the flexible lines and the master cylinder on my 82 and had a similar problem until I FINALLY got all the air out of the system. The master cylinder must be bench bled before you install it. Take your time on the bench bleeding, when you think all the air is out, another bubble will float to the top of the resevour. If the booster is making it easy for you to push the pedal, Id not change it. Ive not replaced mine but those who have list it as one of the most difficult jobs on a C3. YOu have a PMCrossfire1982 2008-11-17 16:20:03
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I agree, it sounds like you still have air in the lines. It can take a bit of work to get the air out. Don't change the booster unless there is a problem. On of the nuts on the booster (upper left) is all most impossible to get to. Can be done but takes time.
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Calipers should be replaced or rebuilt in pairs. At least that's the best way to look at it. It still sounds like you still have air in the lines. For some reason C3 brakes are famous for having air bubbles hiding in the system and difficult to completely bleed out.
What kind of brake fluid do you have...DOT 3 or 5? They're incompatible and if they've been mixed, that would create the situation you've described. Look in the master cylinder and if the fluid is all cloudy it needs replaced even if the two types are not mixed. The fluid will definitely be cloudy be DOT 3 & 5 are mixed.
It's unlikely to have a bad brake booster. The quick way to check it is to pull the large vacuum line from it while the engine is running. The engine idle should definitely change...block the vacuum hose and the engine idle should return to normal. If it doesn't, then you have a booster problem from a vacuum leak.
What kind of brake fluid do you have...DOT 3 or 5? They're incompatible and if they've been mixed, that would create the situation you've described. Look in the master cylinder and if the fluid is all cloudy it needs replaced even if the two types are not mixed. The fluid will definitely be cloudy be DOT 3 & 5 are mixed.
It's unlikely to have a bad brake booster. The quick way to check it is to pull the large vacuum line from it while the engine is running. The engine idle should definitely change...block the vacuum hose and the engine idle should return to normal. If it doesn't, then you have a booster problem from a vacuum leak.
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
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Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
And don't replace the master until you have thoroughly bled the rest of the system. It quite likely is OK
Larry
Larry
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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