Brakes Went Out

[Chris Codd]

My '64 Cadillac DeVille had been sitting for awhile while I was travelling this summer and when I came home it had some issues starting. After replacing the plugs and the ignition coil, it was running better than it had in a long time but the brakes were sticking. I noticed the brake pedal was traveling a little farther than usual when slowing down. Soon after I noticed a hissing noise coming from around the brake pedal. Then I lost the brakes pretty much completely. I couldn't find any leaks from the brake lines or the master cylinder when I took a look around. Is my master cylinder the culprit, or does anybody have any ideas on what to do next? Is it possible I cracked the brake line removing the plugs?

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Above post should read 

I do not think - the bendix brake booster is the problem 

Sorry for my double posts 

I cannot be sure the first post is recorded as my old computer is not notifying me that it has posted the thread as it should —the first time 

takes  moment for me to correct the problem on the actual thread but it takes a little while for it to come off the Dashboard after that has been done 

Enjoy

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Replacing the bendix MC will be the easier job and less expensive fix as you found one --unless the booster needs replacing after that which will still be in question but i do think the booster is the issue
I would check the cost of a bendix brake booster and availability in case you may need that to determine that total expense if needed

The delco MC and booster will be easier to aquire parts for in the future due to more availability of those parts
If you find the costs and availability are similar go with the delco for ease of replacement in the future
New parts - are always a good thing in these cars to improve overall reliability

Enjoy

[Chris Codd]

Thanks for all of your input. Jason, I found the parts number on Cardone's website and after a lottttttt of searching, found the only reputable place with a rebuilt Bendix master cylinder to be O'Reilly Auto Parts.  The part number is 10-1236. I really didn't want to replace the booster because it looks like a serious pain, but I guess i'll go ahead and pick one up as well. Now since I'm replacing both, I guess it doesn't matter if I go with Bendix or Delco. 

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Does look like a complete change over of MC and brake booster are in order in this case due to avaiability of Bendix MC parts
Always good to have new fresh parts when the need arises especially when you have no other options
One thing that should not need attention in the near future --and thsts a good thing !!

Enjoy

[Russ Austin]

The hissing is probably a booster leaking vacuum. Just order the booster and master cylinder I gave the part number too and be done with it.  The mount points on the firewall are the same.  You are not going to find a new Bendix master cylinder. You may find a rebuilt one on lie, but if you must have the original, then you will need to get it sent out to get rebuilt.

[Jason Edge]

I haven't looked at what is available in a while but they have not made the exact same Bendix master cylinder since 1966! (see illustration below of an original 1964 Bendix Booster and Master Cylinder) Both the Delco Morraine style and Bendix evolved over the years (e.g. 63's are very different from 64) generally going to the wire pullover master cylinders we have seen for the last 30+ years. 

So, unless you are looking for an exact 64 style Bendix master cylinder, go with a later style Bendix. If you cannot find the Bendix MC or MC/Booster Combo, look for the Delco MC/Booster combo. I know Autozone, Rock Auto and others had them in years past but went thru like a 2 year stretch where ther was nothing available but have seen some some stores restocking them.  I did a quick check and it looks like AutoZone is showing a Delco MC and Delco Booster.  

For references including shop manual illustration and actual pictures look on our Help Page under Brakes. If you want an original 1964 style MC like the one below I sell cores to rebuild for $50.  You can contact Cardone.com direct and see if they can rebuild a core if you send them one if they do not have one on hand or cannot point to a local store that has one.

If you just want a booster look for the newer type that will work with the Bendix, or again get the matched combo. Just remember Delco MC to Delco Booster, Bendix MC to Bendix Booster.

[Chris Codd]

I called Bendix and they don't make master cylinders anymore and don't have a list of models that they have installed in cars so chasing down the part number is looking bleak. Can I swap a Delco model in or do I need to replace my booster as well?

[Chris Codd]

Thanks Tony, I think i'll end up changing the master cylinder. I've got a Bendix master cylinder in my car, but I can't seem to find a part number and it isn't listed in the shop manual as far as I can tell. If anybody out there could give me a part # for that Bendix master cylinder, it would really help me out. 

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Pls disregard my OOPS note

If when you install a new MC and all goes back to normal -- your good

I would --think about changing the rubber hoses in the brake lines if the peddle feel less than rock hard when the break peddle moves about 3/8 inch - after all the brakes have been properly blead ( unlike ABS brakes )



Brake fluid SB changed every 2-3 years

i clean out my MC about ever 8-10 months
There are shelves in the MC that are there to collect crap ( gook ) so it does not get into the brake fluid lines
It is a kind of preventive matenance to increase the MC life expectancy
Derbi getting in between the rubber valves in the MC will damage there sealing ability

Enjoy

[Tony and Ginny 429]

Not much chance you broke a brake line when doing the plugs 

they are all metal except when they are rubber just before the individual brake cylinders on each wheel 

 MC time is my strong opinion and possibly a brake booster if needed 

Enjoy