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#17382 12/07/2003 2:48 AM | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 18 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: May 2003 Posts: 18 | Hey Guys, I just got back from the family vacation on wednesday, and when I started up my truck on friday I found that I had no brakes. It was only sitting for about 10 days so I dont know what is wrong. When I push the pedal there is almost no resistance. I did go under the truck and the pedal is working the way it should (it pushes the rod into the cylinder). So, the only thing I can think of is maybe brake fluid? Any ideas would be appreciated,thanks. Thanks, GrannyLow P.S. My truck is a 1957 3/4 ton  | | |
#17383 12/07/2003 2:53 AM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 | Checking the brake fluid level would be a good place to start.
54 3100 with 235
62 flatbed dump C60 with 261
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#17384 12/07/2003 5:09 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 55 Member | | Member Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 55 | Yeah, I would start with checking the brake fluid level. If it's low, then you have a leak somewhere. If not, then you have serious issues. You may have gotten air into the system, although it would have to be alot. Also, if there is some resistance, but the pedal keeps going down (the master cylinder was also full when you checked it) then you might have a leak past a seal in the master cylinder. Hope this helps. John
1968 Chevy C-10, 250 and 3 speed on floor, Hedman headers, Offy intake, Edelbrock 600cfm 4 barrel, HEI
1966 Chevy C-10, motor and tranny went into the '68. Waiting to be restored.
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#17385 12/07/2003 6:34 PM | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 18 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: May 2003 Posts: 18 | I checked the brake fluid, and there is absolutely none in there. So how do I go about finding out where the leak is at ? Also what kind of brake fluid should I put in there? :confused: | | |
#17386 12/08/2003 3:02 AM | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 16 Member | | Member Joined: May 2001 Posts: 16 | Fill it up, and look on the floor under the vehicle for the mess. Also is it a dual or single M/C?
55.1 3800
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#17387 12/08/2003 5:20 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 55 Member | | Member Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 55 | Just use DOT 3 brake fluid. Put some fluid in there, and have someone pump the brake pedal while you look under the truck for leaks. It's probably a a single MC setup. I know my '66 C-10 has a single MC. I would look for a leak in the lines somewhere, or a ruptured hose. What surface is the truck parked on? There should be some trace of a fluid leak. Good luck. John
1968 Chevy C-10, 250 and 3 speed on floor, Hedman headers, Offy intake, Edelbrock 600cfm 4 barrel, HEI
1966 Chevy C-10, motor and tranny went into the '68. Waiting to be restored.
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#17388 12/08/2003 5:43 AM | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,745 | Look for a wet wheel and tire on the inside. I bet it's a wheel cylinder.
On mine recently the bleeder screw magically loosened. But magic is rarely involved.
54 3100 with 235
62 flatbed dump C60 with 261
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#17389 12/08/2003 6:52 AM | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 27 Member | | Member Joined: May 2002 Posts: 27 | I've had this happen to me before. Seems like if you let these old trucks sit for more than a month without use the seals shrivel or something. I usually fill my reservoir back up and start pumping the air out. I've never had to bleed the brakes, just kept tapping the pedal til they got hard. Seems like the seals stay fresh with use. | | |
#17390 12/08/2003 7:28 AM | Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 49 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 49 | Just for people's info -
I had this happen once too - after replacing a king pin. I did the right side and had to turn the truck around to get enough room to work on the other side. start pulling the truck forward and WHAMMO! pedal to the metal - brake pedal to the floorboard that is....
seems that with all of my pounding with a BFH - i scared the seals right outta the wheel cylinder. either that or just from moving the backing plate around that the old cylinder just gave out.
made me start looking for a dual master....
Build 'em to Drive 'em
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