I have a '66 Dodge Dart and nobody can fix the brakes!?

I've had this car in and out of several shops, and after rebuilding the master cylinder and replacing the brake booster, the brakes still didn't work right. After the master cylinder was rebuilt, the shop even sent it back to make sure it was rebuilt properly, but supposedly nothing was wrong with it.





There was a hissing sound whenever I stepped on the brakes, and at the same time the engine would rev up. I had to push the brakes to the floor just to make them slowly stop the car, and usually if I didn't pull away from a stop sign just right, the car would stall. After looking at it for a while, we found and fixed a vacuum leak. Now it doesn't hiss as loudly when I step on the brakes, but now they don't work at all! The brake fluid is full and doesn't seem to be leaking, and I've had the brakes bled several times already, but not after fixing the vacuum leak.





Can anyone explain to me what is wrong with my car, or how to fix it?
I have a '66 Dodge Dart and nobody can fix the brakes!?
You can do a pressure test on the front brakes to see if the calipers are clamping with enough force. Or you can take a leap and swap out the front breaks.





If I'm not mistaken the 66 Dart uses front DRUM brakes. They are by design VERY difficult to stop. DRUM brakes have about 1/2 the stopping power of disc brakes. That's why Corvette started using DISC brakes just in 1965.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_brake





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It might be there's NOTHING wrong with your brake. You migh be just used to modern brakes.








Good Luck...





P.S. Please update and let us know if you have DRUM or DISC brakes.
I have a '66 Dodge Dart and nobody can fix the brakes!?
make sure there is a check valve in line with the vacuum line to the booster.
Reply:you need to find an old mechanic who knows what hes doing cause these guys seem to be unaware. thats a simple brake system. if you got full fluid and nothings goin on id say a problem between pedal and master cylinder. you sure youre not losin fluid from the rear valves or somethin if not its gotta be the master they should gaurantee there work i hate that
Reply:That car has a vacuum booster system for the brakes.


It sounds like that's your problem.


Check the vacuum lines and diaphragm for leaks.
Reply:It could be that you just need to "pump" the brakes once or twice. I'm not entirely sure of what this does physically, but I know someone who has a 60's camaro, and you need to pump the brakes to get it to stop fast enough.





If that doesn't work, it is probably your vacuum booster might be bad. After you fixed the vacuum leak, do you still have to floor the peddle?
Reply:"Doesn't Hiss as Loud?" Go over the Complete Vacuum System, You have More Leaks. The Booster Chamber! was it New one you Replaced. Sounds like All the wheel Cylinders might need to be Rebuilt, rubber Boots %26amp; Seals are leaking. 42 Years Old, Brake Lines could be Bad/Coming Apart Inside. Check Shoes %26amp; Drums for Glazzing! Is the "Brake Hardware" in the Drums still good.





NOTE; Never want to hear "Everything is Good".......If it's not working Properly Everything isn't Good!!!!

lilac