Brakes on my 87 El Camino

[enio45]

Sounds like a good brake overhaul would be best approach......one can spend alot of time on one item or another, hoping to identify the issue etc.

Comprehensive brake overall might be in order - new rubber lines all the way around - new proportioning valve, pull and rebuild all brake calipers - fit and rears......

flush and clean system - see what we have.

i was trying to avail this level of effort, but all the points / suggestions above drive me to think this is the best approach. related to the booster and master cylinder - maybe a rebuild of the master is in order - i have good boost from the booster - so that will be the only think i dont touch.

sounds??????????

[Too Many Projects]

All of the above and my 2 cents are cups in master are allowing fluid to bypass internally and won't necessarily leak externally, but cause the spongy feel. Also, the rear flex hose sounds like it is collapsed, causing the restricted flow and will expand under pressure, again can cause spongy pedal.

[Big Block Bill]

Originally Posted by enio45

Sounds like a good brake overhaul would be best approach......one can spend alot of time on one item or another, hoping to identify the issue etc.

Comprehensive brake overall might be in order - new rubber lines all the way around - new proportioning valve, pull and rebuild all brake calipers - fit and rears......

flush and clean system - see what we have.

i was trying to avail this level of effort, but all the points / suggestions above drive me to think this is the best approach. related to the booster and master cylinder - maybe a rebuild of the master is in order - i have good boost from the booster - so that will be the only think i dont touch.

sounds??????????

I would suggest before you do anything, go buy (2) new wheel cylinders for $20.00 each from a NAPA store and replace those first. If I remember correctly, an 1987 El Camino had 3/4" wheel cylinders and they were known for the pistons sticking internally, quite common for causing a car to not being able to lock up the brakes in a panic stop situation. A very cheap start before you do all that proportioning valve & caliper stuff.

Bill