I need some help diagnosing brake issues on my 85 TA. I had almost no pressure in the pedal, the car was just barely stopping, and I've always had to pull the pedal back up with my foot after using the brakes. I thought it was the master cylinder. We put a new master cylinder on, and they're worse now. Still no pressure, and now the front calipers lock down. The pedal comes back on its own now, but the brakes don't let off.
Collapsed hoses? Bad calipers? Bad booster? I don't want to just keep replacing parts without knowing what the problem really is.
Any thoughts?

 

you say the calipers lock down, that sounds like your front hose/s need to be replaced. after time they will swell inside and cause the issue your having.

also, when was the last time you fully bled the system? if its been a good while you may have moisture in the system and that can play a part in this. bleed it till the fluid runs clear and no air.

 

Hoses explain the calipers, and they're inexpensive, so we may as well replace them. But I don't understand the lack of pressure. Is there a way to test the booster? I hate to replace good parts.

 

if y haven't bled the system fully or in a long while there may be moisture in the lines and that can cause issues. pop the new hoses on and do a full bleed first. if you still have pressure issues then we can address it then.

 

Will do. Thanks.