83 Custom Deluxe Brake Issue

[83chevycustom]

Hi I'm new to this site, but i recently bought a 83 c10. I was driving it home and the brake pedal is hard as a rock. Had to stand on the pedal to make a quick stop. There is fluid getting to wheel cylinders, it has vacuum. I don't know much about brakes at all. I haven't took the wheels off to look at brakes yet. Haven't had a chance to but could it be the pads?

[bake74]

     Welcome to the site.  It could be the wheel cylinders themselves not releasing the fluid after you have pumped them up with fluid.  Have someone apply the brakes while parked, and then have them let go of the brakes and while you look at the brake assy (pick one wheel at a time) see if the brakes are releasing or if they are staying closed.

[454Man]

Mine jus started having this same issue. Bad thing is its my daily. I think its the booster because the engine looses vac and runs funky like there's a massive vac leak

[454Man]

Also welcome from dallas.

[83chevycustom]

     Welcome to the site.  It could be the wheel cylinders themselves not releasing the fluid after you have pumped them up with fluid.  Have someone apply the brakes while parked, and then have them let go of the brakes and while you look at the brake assy (pick one wheel at a time) see if the brakes are releasing or if they are staying closed.

Ok I'll check that out when it stops raining here. Thanks

[bd]

...[On my truck,] I think its the booster because the engine looses vac and runs funky like there's a massive vac leak.

I think 454Man is on the right track.  Assuming you have vacuum power brakes, begin by checking for full manifold vacuum at the booster and through the plastic check valve at the end of the vacuum hose.  Inspect the 11/32" vacuum hose with the engine running to verify it isn't spongy and/or collapsing.  Vacuum power brakes use a special, thick-wall reinforced hose to evacuate the booster.

Do you hear a hissing noise with the engine running?  Or, does the engine run rough when applying the brakes?  "Yes" to either question could indicate a faulty booster.

You could also have a tripped combination valve, limiting pressure to the front or rear brakes.

[83chevycustom]

It runs fine when braking and the hose doesn't collapse when i checked but i did notice the was 2 clamps missing from the hose when i looked at it. But i don't think that's causing any problems. No hissing. But the hose is a little spongy but wont collapse. I mean you can barley squeeze it.

[454Man]

Mine doesn't run rough until you step on the brakes. But it has now gotten to the point like when the truck is off... firm as a brick and I still have to drive it I will check for vac going to the booster. I've got 21inches of vac in idle and used to be 17 in gear. Now its 15 in gear

[bd]

It runs fine when braking and the hose doesn't collapse when i checked but i did notice the was 2 clamps missing from the hose when i looked at it. But i don't think that's causing any problems. No hissing. But the hose is a little spongy but wont collapse. I mean you can barley squeeze it.

With the engine off do you hear a little 'whoooshhh' the first time you step on the brake?  Does the brake pedal "feel" get any firmer after you discharge the booster with the engine off?  You may still have a booster problem.

[454Man]

It runs fine when braking and the hose doesn't collapse when i checked but i did notice the was 2 clamps missing from the hose when i looked at it. But i don't think that's causing any problems. No hissing. But the hose is a little spongy but wont collapse. I mean you can barley squeeze it.

With the engine off do you hear a little 'whoooshhh' the first time you step on the brake?  Does the brake pedal "feel" get any firmer after you discharge the booster with the engine off?  You may still have a booster problem.

I still hear the swoosh when I step on the pedal the first time is that good?

[bd]

Mine doesn't run rough until you step on the brakes....

I still hear the swoosh when I step on the pedal the first time is that good?

If the engine runs smooth until you step on the brake pedal, and then it runs rough as long as you apply the brake, you have a faulty booster.

[454Man]

Darn well guess ill price out a new booster

[83chevycustom]

It runs fine when braking and the hose doesn't collapse when i checked but i did notice the was 2 clamps missing from the hose when i looked at it. But i don't think that's causing any problems. No hissing. But the hose is a little spongy but wont collapse. I mean you can barley squeeze it.

With the engine off do you hear a little 'whoooshhh' the first time you step on the brake?  Does the brake pedal "feel" get any firmer after you discharge the booster with the engine off?  You may still have a booster problem.

Can't really tell you right now cause I have another post about my fuel issue and i cant get it started right now.

[454Man]

Problem solved :-). Will start another thread. Sorry for jackin this one...