Topic: Brake problem
in Forum: C4 Handling Components
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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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Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
Yeah...sounds like the master cylinder.
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
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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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2247
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
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!!
Joel Adams 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82
Black 1996 LT1
Black 1999 Coupe
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.
in Forum: C4 Handling Components
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