'69 Brake Problem - Suggestions?

[Jim R.]

Got in for a cruise today - been about 4 weeks since last driven - and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. It didn't fall, just slowly went all the way. Looked at the brake master cylinder and found the front rubber distorted and the chamber low on fluid - maybe 25% low. No sign of leaks at any wheel or the master cylinder. Any suggestions what the problem or solution may be?

[Jim T.]

Re: '69 Brake Problem - Suggestions?

Since the brakes were OK when you last drove your 69, it appears that you have leaked fluid by gravity drain. Could be a ruptured hard brake line since you checked the calipers and found no brake fluid on the inside of the wheel rims. The fluid could of leaked out the rear of the master cylinder and down the power brake booster onto the frame below or if a non-powered brake car fluid inside the car. A rebuild of the master cylinder is not a difficult job for anyone that has never done it, just buy the correct rebuild kit and read the instructions. Just install the seals correctly and keep everything clean. An relatively easy afternoon job. It can be done and not even require bleeding the calipers, however your calipers might need a flushing of old fluid to remove the accumulated moisture. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, absorbs water. Just do a proper bench bleed of the master cylinder before it is reinstalled.

[John H.]

Re: '69 Brake Problem - Suggestions?

Jim -

When the pedal goes to the floor and there are no visible leaks and there's fluid in both reservoirs, it's bypassing the seals in the master cylinder; time for a rebuild. If you find that the bore is pitted and it's the original master cylinder, have it sleeved before rebuilding it.

[Phil P.]

Re: '69 Brake Problem - Suggestions?

if you get a rebuild kit and it looks like it is lacking all of the components to do the rebuild return it and buy a rebuilt master---remove the guts (as long as they are the same)and and install in your master---naturally common sense will prevail as far as pitting etc..i've bought several master kits for various gm cars and it seems like it is a half of kit---example would be a wagner F106624 1 1/8 bore for 68 disc brake camaro unopened kit only had enough to do the front bore of the master---ordered another kit and it was the same---i resorted to buying the complete master so i could get the parts---good luck,phil

[Jim R.]

Re: '69 Brake Problem - Suggestions?

Jim:

How is it possible to remove and rebuild the master cylinder and not bleed the system???

Jim