Corvette brake problem

[Henry Rifle]

My '93 Vette is having brake problems. The pads are OK, the lines have been bled, fluid is OK, but I'm not getting good braking at the rear.

If I stand on the brakes sitting still, the front end holds, but the rear tires start spinning. There's not enough braking power to engage the ABS even if I try a panic stop. I don't think it's the calipers, because both rear wheels break loose.

At 135,000 miles, I'm guessing the master cylinder is gone, but at the price they charge for 'Vette parts, I'd like a little more info before I drop big $$.

Any ideas?

[Dave Severson]

Chit, wish ya lived a bit closer, we'd slap my brake pressure gauges on it!!!! If ya know any circle burners, see if you can borrow some. Mine go in in place of the bleeders, good for setting front to rear and side to side brake pressures.... Does the Vette use a conventional booster, or a hydrovac type unit?

[Henry Rifle]

Plain ol' vacuum booster.

[Dave Severson]

hmmmm. Any sounds of a vacuum leak on the booster diaphragm? Does the car stop any different with heavy pedal pressure vs. normal pedal pressure....????

[Henry Rifle]

No, and no.

I can get a brake pressure kit for about $45.00 from Stainless Steel Brakes. It's more $$, but then I have another tool.

Oh, and with the SS cat-back 2-1/2" pipes, I can barely hear the engine - let alone a vacuum leak. I'll check closer tomorrow.

[Dave Severson]

No, and no.

I can get a brake pressure kit for about $45.00 from Stainless Steel Brakes. It's more $$, but then I have another tool.

Yup, tools are tools. Thing I like about them on Hot Rods is knowing for sure where the problem is on the brakes, ends all the questions like this. I also use mine when I set the proportioning valve.... Once you know what the front and rear pressures are, you know which way to go with the proportioning valve to get the braking the way you want it...

And besides, having too many tools would be like having too much horsepower, can't imagine it ever happening to me!!!!!

[Henry Rifle]

One thought. I just read in the manual that I'm supposed to jack up the rear of the car to bleed the brakes. Apparently, the bleeder isn't exactly at the top and can retain some air. I'll try that tomorrow or Sunday.

[Dave Severson]

hmmm. guess that would do it??? Still seems the fluid would push the bubble out....