Guest Neil Posted January 20, 2003 Share Posted January 20, 2003 I'm getting ready to take on my first major mechanical project on my 76 280 (or on any car, for that matter). After having some prior work done on my breaks and researching breaking probelms on this site, I am under the impression that my break booster is out of commission. Here is my problem. My breaks realy suck. I have all stock equipment, for starters. It feels like I have manual breaks. I have to press the peddal realy hard to stop, I mean reeeeealy hard. It's a work out just to keep the car from moving when at idle. I've had to start putting it in neutral at stoplights. I've had the breaks bled a couple of times. Other things I need to check first; vacuum pressure, pushrod length (although since I'm using orig equip, I don't think that's it). So here are my questions. 1) Any other things I should check first? Please be descriptive (read: talk to me like I'm in third grade). 2) When replacing the booster, what do I need to look out for? Step by step directions would be helpfull here. Also, do you have to drain break fluid to do this and/or bleed the breaks when finished? 3) Should I upgrade my Master Cylinder to a 79-81 MC? Thanks for the help. I can give more info if needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synlubes Posted January 20, 2003 Share Posted January 20, 2003 Neil, Ck any/all vacuum lines. With the car running(neutrals ok)pump the brake pedal several times fast, if the engine idol goes eratict it`s a sign of a bad brake booster. It can be changed by unbolting the M/C from the brake booster, but IMO take the M/C off. The 15/16 ZX master cly would be a good upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudge Posted January 20, 2003 Share Posted January 20, 2003 When I bought my 73 the booster was dead, it was unhooked because it caused a vacuum leak if hooked up, since it was dead. This will show up as lack of power in certain areas and some MPG loss. Your booster is probably dead, I got one off eBay but you still may be able to buy the internal diaphragm which is probably whats dead, but I'm not sure whats serviceable and whats not anymore, since other than MSA/VB there isn't much left support wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neil Posted January 20, 2003 Share Posted January 20, 2003 Thanks for the input. I might try to get out there today and work on it since it may actually be above 35 degrees outside. If anyone else has any input, i'm happy to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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