Brakes; Brake System - Chevrolet Corvette 1963 Repair & Tune-Up Manual

Brakes

BRAKE SYSTEM

1963-64 Corvettes are equipped with four-
wheel drum brakes. These are hydraulically
operated, self-adjusting, and feature double-
piston wheel cylinders. Three brake options
were available with the drum system. Power
brakes featured a Moraine vacuum assist
master cylinder and were the first power
brakes ever offered on the Corvette. The sec-
ond option was the standard drums (honed to
a 20 micro-inch finish and equipped with
special heat resistant springs) and metallic
linings for more fade resistance. The third
option was intended for heavy-duty or com-
petition usage. These cerametallic linings
were larger and the drums were finned and
scooped.
In 1965, the four-wheel disc brake system
was introduced. This system includes a fixed
caliper, rotating vented disc, and four-piston
pad actuation. A heavy-duty, optional disc
brake system is available for special purposes
(1965-75). A different front caliper, brake
pad, and brake line pressure regulator are
used. Heavy-duty brake calipers are easily
recognized by the two, pad retaining pins in-
stead of the standard brake's single pin.
1984 models use a Girling brake system with
aluminum single-piston calipers.
CAUTION: When servicing wheel brake
parts, do not create dust by grinding or
sanding brake linings or by cleaning wheel
brake parts with a dry brush or with com-
pressed air. (A water dampened cloth
should be used.) Many wheel brake parts
contain asbestos fibers which can become
airborne if dust is created during servic-
ing. Breathing dust containing asbestos fi-
bers may cause serious bodily harm.
Adjustment
DRUM BRAKES
Rotate the star wheel adjuster until a slight
drag is felt between the shoes and drum, then
back off IVi turns on the adjuster. Backing
the car and firmly braking will allow the self-
adjustment feature to complete the adjust-
ment.
DISC BRAKES
These brakes are inherently self-adjusting and
no adjustment is ever necessary or possible.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Master Cylinder—Drum Brakes
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
1. Disconnect the hydraulic lines from the
cylinder. Plug the lines to keep dirt out of the
lines and master cylinder.
2. Remove the clevis pin and clip from the
brake pedal arm.
3. Remove the main cylinder-to-firewall
nuts and lockwashers, and remove the mas
ter cylinder.
4. Install the master cylinder on the fire
wall studs. Install the lockwashers, and
tighten the nuts.
5. Insert the clevis pin through the clevis
and the brake pedal and secure with a cotter
pin.
6. Install the hydraulic lines to the master
cylinder.
7. Refill the cylinder with brake fluid and
bleed the lines.
8. Adjust the brake pedal as necessary.