Hello everyone, I am looking at a 66 Mustang that has a problem with the brakes. I took it for a test drive and the brakes barely work. This is what the owner said about them:
Brakes were fine when I put it away a few years back, so my guess is that
the wheel cylinders may have frozen up. They have repair kits out for them,
but I replaced one in the past and the entire part was only around $35 and
easy to install.
The brakes you have to push them real hard to get them to even slow down a little and there is a bit of grinding it feels like when you push. Any ideas what might be wrong and if the above statement is or might be correct? Thanks for any input!

 

wheel cylinders are shot maybe master cylinder start with the wheel cylinders they are cheaper.

 

My brakes used to be the same way until I upgraded to discs, but 1st of all it sounds like there isn't a good seal from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders and there is almost definitely air in the line.

 

Any ideas on how much something like that would cost to fix?

 

Find a local brake shop that'll look into it for you. Get a private business, not some chain. I know at our shop we'd look at it for free.

 

Too bad your shop isn't in CA. [8D]

 

I agree too bad you aren't closer to philly area. I'm just nervous about the car and the brakes, I don't want to pay too much for it and then have to pay a lot to get the brakes fixed. Unfortunately it is in Glen Mills PA and I just recently moved to NJ so I don't know anyone around there to take a look at it that would know what to do. I know a good shop here in NJ that would work on it but I'd have to get it towed there. They worked on my grandfather's cars when he was alive and they're still in business.

 

David,
Get on line and search our any local Mustang clubs in your area. Usually you can find one within 50 miles. Find the club president or the webmaster and send an email explaining your problem and asking for the club's assistance in finding a reputable repair shop or person.

Club members are usually very helpful in either knowing an individual they can recommend, or a shop they trust. They'll have had experience with them...and with your problem.

good luck

 

well when i originally bought my car i had it inspected at a private shop (only to see if they could find something i missed, we had no intention of having them do any work on it) and they quoted $500 to replace the wheel cylinders and master. instead i did a granada swap myself for $560 and could have done the wheel cylinders and master myself for about $150 i think. shops usually will charge double for parts and an insane ammount for labor. maybe ask the shop if you can provide your own parts? that might keep the cost down