Corvette C3 Forum 1968 through 1982

Brake question

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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 03:59 PM
  #1  
Rickcusaf's Avatar
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Default Brake question

On my 76 I've got disc from and rear drums. I noticed that I started losing pressure and the pedal is going to the floor. I suspected a master cylinder leak and when I went to have the car checked out they confirmed it. The master cyl has been R&R, but the problem is persisting. I'm pretty sure it's my rear brakes and that a cylinder has gone bad. I've tried looking for wheel cylinders online and can't seem to find any for c3's.

Did c3 vettes use something else and I'm completely missing my mark?
 
Old Mar 29, 2008 | 05:26 PM
  #2  
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Default RE: Brake question

You got a '76 vette w/ rear drums? Thebrakes on all vettes since '63 are 4 wheeldisc w/ rear drum 'e' brakes that are cable operated. The 4 piston calipers are well know for pitting and leaking. Don't bother rebuilding them, they need to be sleeved w/ stainless inserts. I went to Muskegon brake .com for my '77 vette and the price w/core exchange has not changed muchin 20 yrs. A extra to do is to flush the DOT 3 brake fluid and go to DOT5 which is silicone base that doesn't absorb moisture.
 
Old Mar 29, 2008 | 08:56 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

Hi Rickcusaf, YANKEECORVETTE is correct we have 4 wheel disc brakes on our cars and a drum is built into the rotor for the parking brakes.
You said you changed the M/C but the problem is persisting do you mean the brakes were ok after the R&R but they are low again? PG.
 
Old Mar 31, 2008 | 11:27 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

The pitting problem on Corvette disc brakes created a cottage industry for putting stainless steel liners in to prevent future problems. Corvettes that sit for extended periods or are driven in the rust belt are particularly prone to this problem.

It's an easy change out and as Corvette repairs go, relatively inexpensive. Suggest while you're at it, replace the brake hoses with the stainless braided lines which will firm up the pedal. Always use new copper crush washers where the hose connects to the front calipers.

I agree with everything YankeeCorvette said except (a little nitpick here) disc brakes actually became available in 1965 and were a delete option ($64.50 credit) if you wanted drums. There were actually a few that were ordered with drums.
 
Old Apr 1, 2008 | 09:44 AM
  #5  
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Default RE: Brake question

You're right they are disc.

I was looking at the http://www.muskegonbrake.com brake site and am having trouble figuring out which set is right for me. I want stainless steel calipers w/ pads, but I don't need the master cylinder and I don't need them powder coated. I also want the stainless braided lines.
 
Old Apr 1, 2008 | 12:00 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

Hi again, you can get stainless steel sleeved calipers from auto-zone with a lifetime warranty, and you will save on shipping. PG.
 
Old Apr 2, 2008 | 07:29 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

Hiya pg. I saw their parts list and they have a couple brands. What would you recommend? Brakes is an area I don't know much about.
 
Old Apr 2, 2008 | 08:52 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

Hey Rick, our brakes are about as easy as they get. I did mine about four years ago with over the counter parts from the discount auto store. Replaced master, rear calipers, all rubber lines and the steel lines across the rear. Gutted the parking brakes except the cables. I haven't had a single issue with them since.
 
Old Apr 2, 2008 | 10:06 PM
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Default RE: Brake question

Hi again, I just told them calipers for a 74 Vette and they had them is stock, had 2 leaks in 8 years and got a free replacement and free pads both times.
I have purchased a power steering valve from VB&P they took 120 days to credit my core deposit. Plus I had to pay shipping.
All the auto stores have a TECH # to call if you want to know what brand they carry. PG.
 
Old Apr 3, 2008 | 12:58 AM
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Default RE: Brake question

since you are talking about brakes...

I have to replace my brake pads. what do you suggest without spending lot of $$$ . Organic, ferro-carbon...

I can't check now what brake pads are now on my car ( rear brakes making noise now) but the PO did a good job : no leakage at calipers and rubber lines replaced with steel
 



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