Topic: Lost my brakes in Wisconson
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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I hit the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Luckily, I was going up an exit ramp. I pumped the pedal several times and stopped OK. The brake light on the dash came on and stayed on. It's still on.
I checked the brake fluid and both reservoirs were full.
Do you think it is the master cylinder?
Could it be the proportional valve is stuck?
What else could it be?
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
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Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Dave??? Where are you now?? I am at home!! You?
Dan
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If both reservoirs are full, the problem pretty much has to be the master cyl. Either that, or your rotors are warped, and driving to/from the Gathering has pumped the system full of air.
I would suggest first trying to bleed the system, drive it a few miles, and see if that helps. If not, then the suggestion would be to replace the master....
I would suggest first trying to bleed the system, drive it a few miles, and see if that helps. If not, then the suggestion would be to replace the master....
Joel Adams
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Sorry, I should have mentioned that I am home safe and sound.
Would it go to the floor all of a sudden if one rotor was warped?
I haddened driven it since last fall, but the brakes were checked before I left and they were normal for about 1400 miles. Of course, most of that was interstate driving, with not much stopping.
They seemed normal until the pedal just went to the floor.
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Lifetime MemberLodi, WI - USA
Joined: 9/25/2007
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dwright said: I hit the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Luckily, I was going up an exit ramp. I pumped the pedal several times and stopped OK. The brake light on the dash came on and stayed on. It's still on.
I checked the brake fluid and both reservoirs were full.
Do you think it is the master cylinder?
Could it be the proportional valve is stuck?
What else could it be?
OMG Dave, you drove from WI to NY with little or no brakes?? I'm glad you made it home safely.
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Oh man! That's makes for an interesting ride home doesn't it? 
That same thing happened to us one year going to Adam's "Corvette for a Cure" doings. The seal in the master cylinder must have rolled causing it to leak internally. Then after pumping the brakes a few times it was fine the whole trip. But I went ahead and replaced the master cylinder and booster.
Glad you made it home ok.
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Fortunately, on interstate I didn't have to use the brakes too often. Just those darn toll booths.
I stopped twice to fill one tank and empty the other.
No close calls as the traffic was light and construction was minimum.
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Lifetime MemberBelvidere, IL - USA
Joined: 10/24/2004
Posts: 439
Vette(s): 1977 Black T-Top ZZ4 5Sp 16in Wheels
Glad you made it home. I lost mine on Friday, did lots of Nascar driving. Down shifting and what brakes I had. Hard to find a good MS, I had 3 in the last 5 years. Looked at all sites, just ordered from Zip Products a new MS. Try to stay away from remains, They don't last, junk.
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
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Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
YUP! I feel your pain. NO RE-MANS for me. Junque. Brakes need "NEW" stuff. No chances taken.
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Dave,
If you could have let me know about the brake problem I could have directed you to "Corvette Sports" They are located I Sheboygan Wisconsin!! You went by them on I-43!!
Dan da Man
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