I have a 1976 CJ-7 Levi's that came factory with drum brakes front and rear. I have had hell figuring out my brake problem. Below is a list of issues with the timelines spelled out.
1. Out of no where with 0 indication I lost all brakes. I checked and I wasn't getting any pressure from the master cylinder.
2. I replaced the master cylinder, with a 1978 model master cylinder ( I had one on the shelf because I own 3- '78 model cj's). Bled the brake system and gained rear brakes, but did not get any front braking back.
3. I diagnose a leaky front brake wheel cylinder.
4. I upgrade the front brakes to disc brakes, this includes the soft lines as well.
5. after bleeding the system I still have 0 front brakes.
6. I notice a saturation leak on the factory splitter valve on the frame.
7. I bypass the factory splitter with a Wilwood proportioning valve. I also replace all front hard lines at this point as well.
8. I bleed the system and still no braking power. If anything I have now lost the rear brakes as well.
The jeep is now at a mechanic buddies of mine who has WAY more experience with brakes than me.
He called me today and said he doesn't think that the master cylinder is right, because he cut a bolt and put it between the brake booster and the master cylinder and he gained some braking back. However he said it doesn't feel right. I did some looking and assuming he is right and it's the wrong MC, I dont think I want to go back with the factory MC because it probably wont have the umph to power front disc, so do I replace the brake booster with a later model that is for disc/drum? or what are y'alls thoughts?
PS- In the midst of all this time line I have swapped about 3 different MC on the jeep and the one currently on there is came off a running and driving jeep with good brakes. I know it's not a bad MC.
Pic of the jeep for attention.
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1. Out of no where with 0 indication I lost all brakes. I checked and I wasn't getting any pressure from the master cylinder.
2. I replaced the master cylinder, with a 1978 model master cylinder ( I had one on the shelf because I own 3- '78 model cj's). Bled the brake system and gained rear brakes, but did not get any front braking back.
3. I diagnose a leaky front brake wheel cylinder.
4. I upgrade the front brakes to disc brakes, this includes the soft lines as well.
5. after bleeding the system I still have 0 front brakes.
6. I notice a saturation leak on the factory splitter valve on the frame.
7. I bypass the factory splitter with a Wilwood proportioning valve. I also replace all front hard lines at this point as well.
8. I bleed the system and still no braking power. If anything I have now lost the rear brakes as well.
The jeep is now at a mechanic buddies of mine who has WAY more experience with brakes than me.
He called me today and said he doesn't think that the master cylinder is right, because he cut a bolt and put it between the brake booster and the master cylinder and he gained some braking back. However he said it doesn't feel right. I did some looking and assuming he is right and it's the wrong MC, I dont think I want to go back with the factory MC because it probably wont have the umph to power front disc, so do I replace the brake booster with a later model that is for disc/drum? or what are y'alls thoughts?
PS- In the midst of all this time line I have swapped about 3 different MC on the jeep and the one currently on there is came off a running and driving jeep with good brakes. I know it's not a bad MC.
Pic of the jeep for attention.
