Brake Issues...

[speedracer]

Hi guys, it's been quite awhile since I last posted.

My 79 Spider has been off the road for about 4-5 years now, but it's time to get her back on the road and ready for the spring. So I just got her re-started recently and happily she is running like a Swiss clock, at least in the garage. It runs as good as the day I laid her up. I haven't had her on the road yet, because there is one problem that has arisen. The brake pedal has gone right to the floor, providing almost no braking at all. She was low on brake fluid when I re-started her, so I filled it up, but it didn't help.

My guess is the brakes need to be bled. What do you guys think? Any tips?

I'm really happy to be back guys!

[Kevin1]

Since you mention having almost no brakes, I assume you have some, so bleeding the system sounds like the place to start.

[AndyS]

when these cars sit for a long time, the seals start to go in the brake hydraulics. a new master cylinder and 4 new caliper and new brake hoses is the best route to go to years of trouble free braking. don't want to mess around with your brakes!

You could just do a brake fluid flush, and bleed the brakes, but in my experience, that usually doesn't solve the problem. Rebuilding old calipers is a hit or miss as well, and the rears are a PITA. If you can find and afford new ones, they will usually work better and hold up longer.

[baltobernie]

Look for leaks first; on the floor, on the inside of the wheels, inside the engine compartment ....
If no visible leaks, top off the two reservoirs, and test the booster. A leaking booster will cause the engine to stumble or die when you apply the brakes.

[speedracer]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think I do have a leak somewhere, as the floor is a bit wet and it appears to be brake fluid. The resoviour is abit down on fluid to. Looks like I'll have to really get underneath the car and start hunting to see where it's coming from. But it'll have to wait until this "arctic vortex" passes by! It's way to cold to be underneath my car right now!

It doesn't appear to be the booster since the engine doesn't stumble when the brake is applied.

If I have somebody depress the brake pedal while I look around, will that push fluid out to reveal the leak?

[majicwrench]

Like was said, should be on the floor. Even without help, spend a minute stepping on brake pedal. then inspect around brake parts/wheels.
Keith

[vandor]

Usually fluid only weeps out slowly, not enough for you to see when someone steps on the pedal.
Looks for leaks under each caliper, under the master cyl, and on the booster. I've also seen master cylinders leak into the booster.

[speedracer]

Usually fluid only weeps out slowly, not enough for you to see when someone steps on the pedal.
Looks for leaks under each caliper, under the master cyl, and on the booster. I've also seen master cylinders leak into the booster.

Thanks for the advice.

I'll pump them for awhile and then go underneath. What do you think if I prop something up against the brake pedal to depress it fully for a day or two? Might be a better way to see the leak. Just a thought...

[seabeelt]

Not to hijack the thread, but I also has issues this past weekend before the storm. I try to take the car out every dry weekend regardless of temp ( I have heated seats) car is running fine, sitting at a light when I notice a slight roll backward and my foot sinking to the floor. Pumped the pedal and pressure came back. Went straight home instead of finishing errands. Pulled into the garage and pumped the pedal. Engine does not bog when brakes are applied. No leaks, fluid reservoir both full albeit dirty. System was bled right after I got the car last fall. Pads are all new. Replaced master cylinder and brake booster hoses. Have put less than 2500 miles on her. I suspect the master cylinder but didn't want to rip it apart if the collective thinks there might be another issue to check first. Thoughts anyone??????
R/

[azruss]

brake fluid is a great paint stripper. look at the inside of your wheels, the firewall below the MC. wet carpet under the pedal. check how wet your flex hoses look.

[So Cal Mark]

the key to a sinking pedal is the fluid level. If the level has dropped you have a pressure leak somewhere. If the level is the same as when you completed the job it could indicate a pressure leak internally in the master cylinder. My bet is there is a fitting leaking somewhere if you recently had the system apart

[seabeelt]

Put the car on jack stands and pulled all four wheels. No leaks, and fluid level is still the same.
R/

[speedracer]

Put the car on jack stands and pulled all four wheels. No leaks, and fluid level is still the same.
R/

When you pump the pedal, do you have any brakes now?

You did mention the fluid was dirty, so maybe you should replace it. Fluid could be bad...