Need help with brakes on my 71 Cutlass
#1
Need help with brakes on my 71 Cutlass
Hi everyone, I have a 71 Cutlass Convertible. The car has drum brakes all the way around. I've owned the car for several months and have always had to push really hard on the brakes. The car stops fine, but you REALLY have to put your leg into it. My question/concern is regarding what I see under my hood. If you look at the pictures, you'll see I have a reservoir, but no booster. Is this normal? Or, did someone possible remove it previously? I fully admit brakes aren't my strong point when it comes to knowledge. So, I'm asking for help on this. Can I add a booster? Will it help so I don't have to lay into the brake pedal in order to stop the car...? Other thoughts?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
Hi everyone, I have a 71 Cutlass Convertible. The car has drum brakes all the way around. I've owned the car for several months and have always had to push really hard on the brakes. The car stops fine, but you REALLY have to put your leg into it. My question/concern is regarding what I see under my hood. If you look at the pictures, you'll see I have a reservoir, but no booster. Is this normal? Or, did someone possible remove it previously? I fully admit brakes aren't my strong point when it comes to knowledge. So, I'm asking for help on this. Can I add a booster? Will it help so I don't have to lay into the brake pedal in order to stop the car...? Other thoughts?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#3
Thanks for the information Joe. I kind of had to laugh thinking back to whenever the car was bought and wondering how something like that was ok - even in 71, if power was available, it's funny that it was an option or an upgrade. Oh well...
So, If I want to improve my situation & upgrade this, all I have to do is buy the power unit which consists of a reservoir and booster. Correct?
Again, thanks, I'm not very "informed" on the brakes.
So, If I want to improve my situation & upgrade this, all I have to do is buy the power unit which consists of a reservoir and booster. Correct?
Again, thanks, I'm not very "informed" on the brakes.
#4
Note that there are two holes in the brake pedal arm where the pushrod attaches. The upper hole is for manual brakes, the lower for power.
#5
The M/C has seen better days. If I put the booster in, I'll probably replace it. I snooped around online and it looks like I can get both for about 160 buxx. I've attached a pic to show you what I've found. Lokks about right - yes? From what you've said, it sounds pretty straight-forward to do.
#6
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1carsick
Brakes/Hydraulic Systems
23
October 2nd, 2012 05:50 PM
delta254
Brakes/Hydraulic Systems
2
September 17th, 2012 02:51 PM
soundhd
Brakes/Hydraulic Systems
0
August 6th, 2012 11:18 AM
russell-t
Brakes/Hydraulic Systems
0
April 30th, 2011 05:56 AM