C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

[Christopher B.]

I went to stop my car today and when I appied the brake the car pulled severly to the right. I think I have a left brake problem, and was looking for someone with ideas of the failure and repair solutions. I have no fluid leaks.

Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

You may not see the fluid leak yet. Suggust removing the left front wheel and inspecting the brake pads, rotor, and look at the piston boots for seeping/leaking fluid. Do you have silicone brake fluid?

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

The brake hoses break down inside and could be the problem. If you smell the brakes heating up a hose is bad lots of the time.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

I went to stop my car today and when I appied the brake the car pulled severly to the right. I think I have a left brake problem, and was looking for someone with ideas of the failure and repair solutions. I have no fluid leaks.

Chris

Unless your familiar with the brake maintenance history of your 76, it may be a good idea to apply the results of your troubleshooting efforts to all four corners.

In addition to the above, seems like the board has had some great threads on brake fluids and troubleshooting...search the archives.

[Edward J.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

Chris You Are More Then Likey Correct, The R/f Brake Is Applying And The Left Isnt, A Impoaded Hose May Be The Problem Or Caliper Pistons Sticking. A Imploaded Hose Is A Break Down Of The Inner Layer Of Hose, Which Pushes Fluid Into The Outter Layer When Brakes Are Applyed Causing To Caliper To Not Apply.

[Paul J.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

Christopher:

The posts you've received have identified your problem. I would take the wheel off and inspect the pads very carefully for uneven wear. When the pistons start to stick they usually only extend partially or at an angle. You will see this in the pad wear. Compare it to the other side if you need to, but remember that each side of the car wears differently, so both fronts should be close but not exactly the same.

If you have a small leak around the seals it will also cause this problem, and you should be able to see evidence of that too.

As far as collapsing brake hoses, this is common problem on C10 and C1500 Chevrolet trucks. I haven't heard about this on Corvettes, but I would'nt be surprised if that's what it is.

If you replace the caliper, be careful about steel pistons. The rebuilt caliper for my 78 had a steel piston in it, and it caused me a lot of problems with boiling brake fluid until I switched over to silicon.

Paul

[Christopher B.]

Re: C3/1976 Front Brake Problem

Thanks Everyone...the front right just stopped working, so I was not sure about possible problems. These are the original callipers and I am unsure of the type of brake fluid.

Can I rebuild the calliper if necessary?
How can I tell if it is the hose; how can I tell what kind of fluid I have; and how hard is it to change your fluid over?

I appreciate your help as I dont wnt to get in over my head! Thanks