navvet

The brakes are fixed. Two problems found. Rear cylinder had a hairline crack and leaked fluid. The fluid would leak onto pads and not leave a big slick trail.
Second leak was in the line comming from front brakes to rear brakes.
I replaced break line and both rear wheel cylinders including pads.
A funny thing....I had a friend pumping the pedal and the leaks would not be visable every time pedal was depressed. It would only show every 4 or five depressions of brake pedal.
QUESTION:Is there anything you can buy for classic olds that will give you a heads up indicating low brake fluid as todays cars do?
Thanks all for your advice

72 cutlass455

Might i suggest you up grade to a dual bowl master cylinder that way if you have a leak only one set of brakes fail.

navvet

That will be my plan next spring. At this point in the season I will get as much driving time as possible. Dual bowl is the best approach.

rustyroger

Lift the hood and check all fluid levels often, old cars will inevitably develop faults and leaks, much better to know before you set out rather than find yourself stranded.
Perhaps you can fabricate a low level switch using something from a modern car.

Roger.

navvet

It is common habit for me to check fluids...I think since I was driving the car a great deal lately (daily driver) I should have increased my inspections schedule.
As far as a low level switch I do know the mercury sable has a low level censor and switch in the radiator over- flow jug. They are easy to remove ( had to do it on my own Sable)
I just may see if I can make something from it and have it light the parking brake light on the parking brake pedal...NICE IDEA THANKS RODGER