Bad El Camino brakes?

May 2021 6 14 Report

Bad El Camino brakes?

I have a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino and the brakes are very weak, i have bled them and replace front and rear brakes and they are still very weak, they pump up and become stiff when the engine is off but as soon as i start it up the brakes become weak again ???? any ideas ??

Update:

i dont drive it because of the soft pedal, and the pedal almost goes all of the way to the floor, How do i check the power booster ?? and i have no leaky brakes lines

Cars & Transportation / Maintenance & Repairs

chevyraceman_383

Verified answer

Common sense here man. If it's holding pressure with engine off and you fire engine up and pedal goes down and won't pump up... It's a vaccum prob.

Eaither the vac hose from carb to booster, or the 1 way check valve on booster where line hooks to, booster bad or engine is not making enough vaccum to run the power brakes (common on engines with large aftermarket camshafts)

Anonymous

leak, brake lines, rear wheel cylinders, brake calipers, etc... If you have any inquiries about parts for your car, go to www.mtl-autoparts.com and ask them the question directly, they even have an online catalog, parts are cheap, and shipping is free. They have an online chat LIVE, with technicians (not like the ones in India, they actually know what they're talking about). I had a problem with my BMW M3 2001 and I just called them up and they helped me find the right part the first time and referred me a mechanic. I was very happy with their service, even if they don't have the part or won't make any money off of you, they're always glad to help.

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eaglea0504

Change the plunger in the master cylinder, it is bypassing fluid internally and not allowing you to have stable pressure. I would also change the brake lines too, cause the will breakdown internally and cause brake fade (pedal going to the floor).