1978 brakes!!!

[Mitchell Holbrook]

I have a 1978 that when the brake pedal is pressed it will stop although it pulls, usually to left. That I can handle but it will continue to hold brake pressure for quite a while then it will gradually release. I am not driving it now as it is being restored but it is really difficult to move it around when you have to wait an hour or two just so it can be pushed again. The brakes do not lock up but it will slide the wheel if in grass or gravel and sometimes smooth concrete. If you stop it easily they don't hold as tight but to whatever degree you press the pedal it will hold that for quite a while. The rear seems to be ok I think it is the front that is the problem. Anyone have any experience with something like this? Thanks alot! mitchell

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 brakes!!!

Brakes are pretty much the same through C3 so others may have some ideas as well. I've done my 78 twice (brake rebuild), when I first got it in 93 and then again last year. Leading up to the second rebuild, it had symptoms not unlike what you have described. I finally rebuilt the master cylinder and replaced the calipers with the O ring style pistons while eliminating the spring in the rear (probably not necessary) but suspected the rotor was causing some pulsating activty which contributes to air buildup. Anyway, I use silicone and drove it to both Nashville and Hershey this past year, scoring over 2,500 miles without a glitch.

Now that I've told my story I would suggest checking to see what's leaking and it may be that your M/C is sludged up and the system needs to be drained, cleaned and rebled. If it has not been rebuilt...it may be time as well.

[Louis Kolb]

Re: 1978 brakes!!!

I also experienced the same problem. Pulled hard to the left when braking plus right wheel skidded when not braking. Problem turned out to be the right front rubber brake hose from the frame to the wheel caliper was clogged. Replaced both front brake hoses. Problem disappeared.

[Mitchell Holbrook]

Re: 1978 brakes!!!

Thanks guys, I will look into both of those areas as soon as I can. I had been told it could be the master cylinder but it also sounds like it may be the hoses. I am sure one of those will cure this problem. Mitchell

[Terry M.]

hoses *NM*