I have a brake issue. Last fall I replaced my rear brake pads (I have factory front discs and rear drums). I drove the car a few hundred miles then parked it for the winter. I just tried to finish getting her out of winter storage (I know it's real late but I have been fighting with rear leaf springs). When I hit my brakes I had no pressure. If I pumped the brakes I developed pressure and it held. If I let off the pedal then pumped it again it went to the floor like before. I also noticed that the front reservoir level is dropping and the rear is rising. Could it be air? Is my proportioning valve hosed or anything else obvious??? I'm supposed to be at a car show tomorrow morning in upstate NY. I'm desperately seeking a clue.
Vince, just don't come screaming into the car show toward my bird. Aim for one of the late model birds!
Might be the master cylinder. I had to replace mine a few months ago. The pedal would hold under high pedal force, but would go to the floor otherwise. Also, when I went to suck out the old brake fluid it looked like somebody layed plastic wrap in the bottom. A skin had formed at the bottom of the resevoir which was probably the root of my problem.
Thanks for the replies. I didn't find any leaks and my fluid level was good. If it's the master cylinder I am SOL until Monday (nothing open in Vermont on Sunday.)
Don't worry Bob, I have a lot a family and friends in Saratoga so I won't get away with a hit and run. I used to own a 2nd gen T/A and a 4th gen Firehawk so I'll have to hit a 3rd gen car since I have never owned one of those. Which bird will be yours? If I make it, look for a non-show car cameo ivory '67 400 ragtop. She may not be show quality, but she's numbers matching and a nice driver (at least when the brakes work!)
Vince, click the URL below to see mine. It's a 67 champagne ragtop, also not a show car but with fresh Maaco paint. It looks great about 10 feet away. I hope to see you there.
One resivoir emptying and the other rising is a sure sign of a bad master. The seal allowing the level exchange is not always a pressure seal, but chances are in your case it is, or one of those is bad too, and you have to start somewhere.
