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Topic: Brake problem

in Forum: C4 Handling Components


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Brake problem (1/6)
 5/14/17 7:56pm
Red
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Hemet, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1986 convertible, bright red, white top, red interior


Joined: 3/24/2013
Posts: 22

Half way through my Sunday afternoon drive I developed a brake problem in my 86 Corvette convertible. I went to stop , the car stopped but the brake pedal suddenly felt spongy and slowly sank to the floor. The brake warning light also came on when the pedal got to the floor. I pumped the brakes, the warning light went off and the brakes worked normally. However if I held my foot on the pedal it would go to the floor and the light would come on again. I made it home without incident by pumping the brakes each time I needed to stop.
When I was home I immediately checked the reservoir for brake fluid and it was full! I checked each wheel and the area around the reservoir but could detect no sign of leaks.
My gut instinct tells me that the master cylinder has failed. I would like to confirm this with your experiences before I order a replacement Master cylinder.
Thanks for any input you can give to me. 
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Re: Brake problem (2/6)
 5/15/17 7:35pm
Black Shark
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Vette(s):
Black 1979 L-82 Black 1996 LT1 Black 1999 Coupe


Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611

Yeah...sounds like the master cylinder.
Re: Brake problem (3/6)
 5/16/17 2:27pm
redvette89
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Huron, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -


Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179

I rebuilt mine a few years ago with a kit I got from NAPA, easy straightforward project. I didn't get much warning like you did, mine went out all at once and pumping the pedal barely made the car slow down. Fortunately I was only 2 or 3 miles from home but it was a nerve racking ride 

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Re: Brake problem (4/6)
 5/16/17 10:53pm
Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.


Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2230

The master cylinder is bleeding back internally....that is why you don't see any external leaks, then the reservoir is full. Rebuild or replace.....stay safe!! 

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Re: Brake problem (5/6)
 6/1/17 1:35am
Red
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Hemet, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1986 convertible, bright red, white top, red interior


Joined: 3/24/2013
Posts: 22

Thanks to you all,
It was the master cylinder, I replaced it with a new one bled the brakes and now all is functioning as it should.
Re: Brake problem (6/6)
 6/1/17 1:45pm
Black Shark
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Black 1979 L-82 Black 1996 LT1 Black 1999 Coupe


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Posts: 611

Red said:
Thanks to you all,
It was the master cylinder, I replaced it with a new one bled the brakes and now all is functioning as it should.



Good...glad to hear that's all it was.
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