' 65 sticking brakes

[Martyn T.]

My brakes seem to hang up after stopping, maybe more so when car has been driven awhile. After I apply the brakes, the car will not roll back down a slight incline. I rebuilt the leaking calipers using o-rings a few years ago,also had replaced rubber brake lines. Can a master cylinder (not original) cause this on all 4 ? or does my caliper rebuild have issues ?. If I jack the car up, the wheels will turn by hand but not easily. I have a '69 that that the wind will move, so I know somethings not right.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Marty

[Philip C.]

Re: ' 65 sticking brakes

HI Marty this is shot in the dark stuff, Did this start when you changed everthing or when? try opening one bledder (you may have to check all, one at a time but after each road test) and see if you have any pressure and if the wheel turns easier. If you have some at one its a brake hose, at all its the master.Phil 8063

[Eugene B.]

Re: ' 65 sticking brakes

Marty,
Here is something that you may want to check regarding the master cylinder; especially since you state that it is not original. In a master cylinder rebuild parts kit, there is a what I call an anti-bleed back valve mechanism. It looks like a little open-topped metal can with a rubber membrane in it. It is installed in the return spring at the end of the master cylinder where the fluid exits.

This valve is NOT used when rebuilding the master cylinder. It is for drum brake applications. If you use it with disc brakes, it will not allow the brakes to release once they are applied.

I hate to have you remove the master cylinder and open the system, bleed brakes, etc. on my account, but if you have it apart for further diagnoses it's something to check.

Good luck,
Gene

[Martyn T.]

Re: ' 65 sticking brakes

Thanks, I think it's worth replacing the master cylinder just for the heck of it as it seems to be all 4 wheels hanging up, especially when I apply the brakes hard. Do you think the caliper o-ring rebuild could be at fault ?
Marty

[Eugene B.]

Re: ' 65 sticking brakes

Marty,
I'm not sure that I would replace the master cylinder for the heck of it. If it is not leaking and functional, I'd keep it. If however, you have to open the system, I would disassemble the master cylinder and verify that the anti-bleed back valve is not present.

Regarding the O-ring calipers, I don't have any experience with them so I can't comment. Many people use them, so I can't imagine that they are the problem. Generally when Corvette brakes hang-up, it is the hoses. But in your case, with all four hanging, I would not suspect a hose problem.

When was the last time that the brakes on your car worked correctly? And what has been done to the system since that time?

Regards,
Gene

[Jim R.]

Re: ' 65 sticking brakes

can be a worn out brake hose ,the fluid goes to the caliper but the bad hose will not let the fluid return back to the system ,therefore it will act as if the brake is still somewhat on, this could be whats happening with your car.