FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

I was reversing down my driveway and put my foot on the brake. My foot went straight to the floor and the car kept going... very scary few moments till it stalled. Therefore, im assuming i need new brakes, ( even if i dont, new brakes will be much safer). Does anyone know of a good place to get the original brakes replaced? Im in the sydney area, between parramatta and hornsby (carlingford). And do they come to me somehow, or do i have to figure out a way to get the car to them?
Thanks guys

kerensa

Kerensa ,Have a look under the bonnet in the clear jar type container on the left of the firewall (looking in) Im guessing it will be empty ,This probably means the fluid is escaping through the wheel cylinders - Lay under the car and see if any oily type substance (brake fluid) has been leaking over  one or more of the wheels ,
This is a good way to see where the prob is atleast.

And it is possible to fill the resevior again and get someone to push the brake pedal down whilst you open the bleeder nipple at each wheel next to where the brake line goes in ( open let the air out ) close then raise the brake pedal , then keep repeating untill you see no air coming out.
Be sure to keep the resevior full enough that no more air goes into the line again.
This is called bleeding the brakes and providing the pedal isnt sinking quickly under your foot when done (leaking quickly) It will get you out of trouble .

If you then drive it to the brake station keep one hand on the handbrake just incase .
But i am not condoning this practice .
Matter of fact just call a tilt tray - much easier hehe

Thanks mate, but ive got plenty of brake fluid   :). The seals have gone from the system. The master cylinder is full of fluid and its not leaking out of the wheel cylinders. I just think it would be better to get new brakes then stuff round with the seals, much safer too. Brakes are not something i wanna play with.
I may be a woman but im not a blonde one  ;)
lol Unfortunetly my handbrake was gone before my brakes so looks like that options out.
Thanks for replying harko  ;D

If you need someone to have a look and confirm the issue I would be able to drop over. Tomorrow night is car club meeting night but maybe Wednesday on the way home from work?

Brakes on these cars on VERY simple, but finicky and unreliable if not repaired and maintained correctly. They can also be expensive to fix and the main culprits are the wheel cylinders which oxidise if the brake fluid is not replaced regularly.

Anyway send me a P.M or email craig_alderson@yahoo.com.au if you want a hand to find out the exact problem and an estimate of repair cost. I can also recommend someone to carry out the repairs at your house if required.

I would also recommend that  if you are new to FC ownership you make the effort to come to the car club meeting tomorrow night and hopefully join. Its only at Guildford, very close to Carlingford.

The benefits of membership are huge, especially when your car needs some work and you lack the experience to gather required parts or specific knowledge. We love to help to keep these cars on the road  ;D

Cheers,

Craig.

Sounds like the master cylinder has died.  Most likely your problems wont stop there either.   If the car has not had much use for a while, then wheel cylinders will probably be all gummed up as well.

Ken

thanks for all the help guys, youve been wonderful :D