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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 9/20/09 4:04pmMessage 1 of 15

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Redwingvette

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Waterford, MI - USA

Joined: 9/13/2002

Posts: 1795

Vette(s): 1973 Red coupe

The other day I checked my brake fluid I noticed it was almost all gone out of the rear reservoir.

For some reason I thought this would be the front brakes,

I was wrong. Anyway I was checking for leaks and all I could see was some signs of fluid on the passenger side front caliper pistons. I decided that because I have know idea how old there were I should go ahead and replace both the fronts and while I was at it, the hoses too. I repalced the rear calipers about 7years ago. I install the new calipers which I bought at NAPA, and one of them leaks at the split line between the halves. Probably missing the o-ring seal. Now I have to go back to NAPA tomorrow after work to exchange it. What a pain!

And I still need to find out where the leak is causing the back reservoir fluid loss.

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member

73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans

Borgeson Steering box

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 9/24/09 9:53amMessage 2 of 15

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2nd2ja

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Lino Lakes, MN - USA

Joined: 1/8/2009

Posts: 138

Vette(s): 71 Coupe LS5 454 Auto

I know your pain. My break job is costing me a fortune and it just keeps adding up. My front calipers looked newer and still leaked.

My rears were done about 10 years ago and I hope they are good still.

But i want to get it done before winter hits, to make sure i can drive it and bleed them right.

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 9/25/09 9:08amMessage 3 of 15

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aceinthehole

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Manteca, CA - USA

Joined: 11/20/2005

Posts: 3623

Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed

I know it's easier said than done but, it's always best to do all 4 brakes at once when it's time to repair, I mean, it's got to be the most important function on a car, and your probably saving yourself time and trouble in the long run.

Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 9/25/09 11:15amMessage 4 of 15

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Redwingvette

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Waterford, MI - USA

Joined: 9/13/2002

Posts: 1795

Vette(s): 1973 Red coupe

I did end up changing all four. One of my rear calipers was leaking real bad. I changed all four hoses too. I used a Mity-Vac to bleed them and it worked well.Redwingvette2009-09-25 11:21:40

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans

Borgeson Steering box

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 10/9/09 1:36pmMessage 5 of 15

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LarryT

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Worthington, OH - USA

Joined: 8/4/2009

Posts: 74

Vette(s): 1972 Black C3 automatic with red interior. Options include AC, PS, PB, Am/Fm Wonderbar stereo.

Dumb question -- how do you bleed the brake lines if you don't have two people? My brake light just started to come on under hard braking, and my fluid level is low.

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 10/9/09 5:25pmMessage 6 of 15

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Redwingvette

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Waterford, MI - USA

Joined: 9/13/2002

Posts: 1795

Vette(s): 1973 Red coupe

First check for leaks. If your fluid is low then there is a leak. I use a Mity-vac. You can buy them at most autoparts stores. I attach the mity-vac to the bleeder screw on the caliper, (the rear calipers have two of them). Once it is attached I squeeze the trigger until a vacuum is made. Then I crack the bleeder screw just enough for the fluid to be sucked into the hose/catch can. I do not let all the vacuum to finish before I reseal the bleeder. How long this takes depends on how much air is in you lines. I do it about 6-10 times on every caliper and then check the brake pedal to see if it is good. In extreme cases like replacing a caliper it takes a lot more. Always remember to check the fluid level when doing this so you don't let the master cylinder run out or you will have to start all over again.

Redwingvette2009-10-09 17:26:58

Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans

Borgeson Steering box

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 10/9/09 5:51pmMessage 7 of 15

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Dejablu

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Wichita, KS - USA

Joined: 11/10/2003

Posts: 6870

Vette(s): 2005 Daytona Sunset Orange Metallic Coupe --------------------- Sold 1974 T-top, 4 spd to BillKS

Larry, you can also use a pressure bleeder. It works great and is easy to use. I made one from a yard sprayer. Check here to get more info. Good luck.

Larry

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brakes, what a pain

Posted: 10/11/09 8:19amMessage 8 of 15

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LarryT

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Worthington, OH - USA

Joined: 8/4/2009

Posts: 74

Vette(s): 1972 Black C3 automatic with red interior. Options include AC, PS, PB, Am/Fm Wonderbar stereo.

Brian/Larry,

Thanks for the help. Looks like I need to buy or make a vacuum bleeder before my ability to stop comes to an abrupt end.

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Re: brakes, what a pain

Posted: 7/19/23 1:54pmMessage 9 of 15

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73shark

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Overland Park, KS - USA

Joined: 7/9/2003

Posts: 916

Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

A word of caution when using a vacuum bleeder is that if you pull long enough, it's possible to suck air past the piston seals and you will think you are still bleeding.

You can fashion a pressure bleeder by adding an air fitting to a spare master cylinder cover. You will have to be careful and use very low pressure as the cover gasket will not withstand much overpressure.