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Power-Brakes Upgrade Master Cylinder and Lines
The front and rear brakes on the 1968 Camaro have been completed, so now proceed to the brake master cylinder and associated brake lines, replacing the old manual braking system with power brakes.
Installation of the new master cylinder is relatively straightforward, as it is a one-piece bolt-in unit.
- Materials:
- Power brake booster and master-cylinder
- Brake lines
- Brake proportioning valve
- Automotive wrenches
- Steps:
- Loosen the nuts on the mounting bolts that hold the old master cylinder in place, and remove the old master cylinder.
- The new cylinder and power booster slides onto the existing studs coming out of the firewall for mounting.
- The bottom studs are easier to access, and the nuts can be put on by hand. With all of the nuts in place, they are tightened with the appropriate wrench to secure the power-booster to the firewall.
- With the power booster, the location of the master cylinder is now further off the firewall than with the old cylinder. As a result, the connecting brake lines may need to be lengthened. The kit includes new brake lines in various lengths that should take accommodate any necessary adjustments. Some of the lines may need to be bent and fashioned creatively to achieve a precise fit.
- The addition of the power-brake booster in combination with front disc-brakes makes it necessary to install a brake-proportioning valve. This component is provided in the kit, and helps maintain the proper balance within the braking system between front and rear brakes. There is a base adjustment for the proportioning valve, and this is covered in the manufacturer's instructions.
- With the booster and master cylinder installed, the installation is completed by adding the associated brake lines according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once all of the lines are installed and threaded onto their connections by hand, they can all be tightened down using the appropriate wrench.
- Tip:
Because of the size and location of the new cylinder, the fit is a little tight. To help simplify mounting, the nuts that secure the top studs are placed on the studs using a long, thin screwdriver. The nut is placed on the tip of the driver, then slid down onto the end of the stud where the nut can be tightened by hand. Following this suggestion is likely to save you some time, as well as the skin off your knuckles!
- Note:
These steps in the installation of selected brake components on the 1968 Camaro, there may be variations in installation procedures depending on the brand and product you choose. Whether using this kit or another, follow the manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety Note for your installation.
- Note::
Servicing brakes can result in contact with asbestos. Be certain to follow proper safety Note.
Keep in mind that, in this brake overhaul, all of the newly installed systems -- front disc-brakes, rear brake upgrade, power booster and master cylinder -- are connected and interdependent systems. They all function in a coordinated way, so the components must all be compatible.
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