82 brake problem

[Rick Garrett]

Just picked up an 82 that had been sitting (police confiscated) for a couple months. The brakes worked when it was confiscated, but now they go clear to the floor and barely stop the car. The brake fluid is 3/4 full and the booster seems to hold vacuum. There are no apparent leaks. What could have happened from sitting? How should I troubleshoot this.

thanks

[Bill Clupper]

Re: 82 brake problem

leaks can be hard to spot, check carefully at all the calipers for the slightest sign of dampness. If you see anything at all, replace all four. also, with a power system, master cyl problems are not always easily detected because the extra fluid can fun into the can. This car is the perfect age for brakes to go haywire.

[Henri Kroeze]

Re: 82 brake problem

Had the exact problem with my '79 a few weeks ago. Brakes worked 'well' (not perfect) and all of a sudden no pedal at all.

Master cylinder was gone. The mechanic wanted to know what happened and disassembled it. Seems the 'piston' inside was all clogged with all kind of depostits and was stuck. Some of the seals were gone as well.

A new master cylinder did the job for me!

Henri Kroeze, '79 dark red metallic, the Netherlands

[Bill Cody]

Re: 82 brake problem

We had the same problem with our '75. Turned out to be a leaking piston in the right front caliper.