Hello, Been running into some brake system issues. First, the system wasn't holding fluid; so, the master cylinder gasket was replaced. That stopped the leaking from there, but the brakes still weren't up to par. Second, the wheel cylinders in the front were replaced along with new shoes. The car still doesn't stop all that great. then we went through the process of bleeding the brakes and still not much pressure in the pedal. There doesn't appear to be any signs of leaks any more in any of the brake lines or wheel cylinders. Anything else we can try? Thanks for the help
We bled the back brakes first thing and saw no air. But it won't hurt to try again. I hope it's as simple as that. And how much stopping power should I expect out of an old braking system? Thanks
By pump up do you mean it gains some pressure after pumping? yes it does. The pedal travel has been all the way to the floor at times. And they are drums all the way around. How would one check for a bad master cylinder?
yep.. and technically speaking.. it's well known that drum brakes have better initial bite than discs anyways. It's only when they get too hot.. too quickly.. that they fade and the discs take over. Tis mainly the reason why we have drums on slow/heavy vehicles.. and discs on the lighter higher speed stuff.
What gasket did you replace on the MC??? Be certain the brk shoes on all 4 wheels are properly adjusted.(Should have a fair amount of drag on the drum when spinnig it by hand) check all wheel cyls (Behind the boots) for leakage. Check brk hoses for cracks/swelling (Replace if questionable) If there is no air in the system and all checks good...You have a bad master cyl...Replace it...Do not...I repeat...DO NOT bleed the MC on the car!!! Bench bleed it (By hand) then install on car and bleed the rest of the system till all air is gone. Bleeding the MC on the car can damage it (And usually does) Good luck!!!
I spent less money going 4 wheel Disc. than what it would have cost to rebuild the drum/drum system...
disc brakes would be nice but I think I agree with drum brakes being enough. I don't abuse it either so if can save myself the work of a full conversion I am going to try it
I don't think gasket is the proper term but that thing that sits under the cap of the MC. I think I will buy a new MC either way
Check the flex hoses, if they are original, the rubber will swell in them reducing the inside diameter, reducing the flow of the fluid to the cylinders.
Along w/ some ideas on prior post. I agree on the MC. That's what I wud do along w/ new rubber hoses; that way, U don't have to be concerned abt those being the problem. I wud buy a new MC as u've said, "not a rebuilt".
Do like I did 2 summers ago replace master, all 4 wheel cylinders, brakes, brake lines maybe even the proportioning valve. Until I can afford disc brakes.
Got a rough estimate? I left my car at my dads until we feel completely comfortable and I want to know how much money to leave him to get the supplies.
