1968 C60 brake problems

[Richard Jamison]

I recetnly purchased this truck which had sat for about five years. When I took the top off the brake resouvor there was NO fluid in it. I put fluid in and do not see any leaks or any fluid leaking anywhere. I dont see a mastercylinder. It does have a big tank like under the drivers side of the truck. Can anyone help me figure out where to start with having no brakes?

Thanks

 

[oldmopar]

While not familiar with this truck I am a little confused that you put brake fluid in and cannot find the mc.
However if the system was dry when you put the fluid in you will still need to bleed the brakes to get the air out and get a good pedal. However after 5 years there is a good chance that the wheel cylinders are shot. Try to bleed it but I would rebuild the brake system before going on the road

 

[John Van Valkenburgh]

Richard,

The thing that holds the brake fluid should be the master cylinder. The brake pedal should have some linkage that pushes a rod that in turn pushes a piston in the master cylinder.

The thing under the drivers side of the truck is called a "hydrovac". It uses engine vacuum to boost the power of the brakes. Most modern cars and trucks have the brake booster mounted along with the master cylinder on the firewall. In your case its moved under the truck.

There are two "master" cylinders. The one most commonly referred to as the master cylinder is in the engine bay, usually bolted to the firewall. The hydrovac also has a master cylinder bolted to a large round vacuum chamber.

Look on the back of the wheels for signs of leaky brakes. It may be hard to see along with the grease and crud normally found there.

Often times the leak is in one or more of the wheel cylinders. These can be rebuilt or replaced.

Best of luck,
John

 

[jaydee]

I had problems with a similar truck. I would fill it with brake fluid, bleed brakes, everything would be fine for a while, then no brakes. No evedence of leaking. It turned out to be the hydrovac was faulty. Mechanic told me it was sucking out fluid and sending it out the exhaust pipe. I never really understood this but new hydrovac fixed it.

 

[Richard Jamison]

Thanks, I will check it out and give a report back.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The master cylinder should be on the fire
wall on driver side - the vacuum assist is
the black thing under the truck