brakes and grease-

[Bug8]

I just rebuilt the rear calipers and replaced the master cylinder on my '73. Couple of questions: Why do I have grease coming out of the vents in my rotors? Is this from the rear bearing? Is this a sign of more work to come? I'm at 130,000 miles

second- while these cars have big brakes and 4 pistons calipers, the pedal is still not as good as a modern car. Is this just the way it is? I have bled these mothers and I have no air in the system.

Thanks in advance

Mike in Tacoma

 

[JohnZ]

Grease coming out of the vents in the rotors means the outer bearing grease seal has failed and it's losing lubricant; better bite the bullet and re-do the rear bearings before one seizes and/or shears the spindle.

The brake system is an outstanding design; we tend to be spoiled by the pedal "feel" of modern cars with power brakes, especially if your '73 has manual brakes. Pedal pressure will also appear to be excessive if you have metallic or semi-metallic pads or if the rotors are glazed; the OEM organic pads work just fine, and won't eat your rotors like the semi-metallic ones will.

 

[Vanity Plate Bob]

I was informed on this site that poor braking, on 2 different Olds., could be old fluid that has absorbed some water.

Bleed them till the old is all replaced with new, I was told.

 

[waterboy1976]

I have a 73 also and after much replacing....lines, combination valve, master cylinder...and all four calipers I have excellent solid pedal. It IS possible to have a firm pedal...I bled my system like 5 times to achieve it.......when youre done bleeding it and it feels good....go one more time, just make sure your master cylinder "pails" are full.....