I am sure this is a straight forward problem for those of you with the proper knowledge. Applied the brake while driving my '72 Skylark with power front disc brakes yesterday and felt something "give". Braking action was then noticably lessened. Rear reservoir was empty of fluid. I see brake fluid dripping down from under the area of the power booster/master cylinder area but can't distinctly see from where. Is this a failed master cylinder or the booster itself? Power booster has only about 600 miles on it. Any hints are appreciated. Thanks. Dean Papageorge
There should be no fluid going to the booster itself, so examine your cylinder. I'd check the lines first - they may have rusted or something. Otherwise, I'd guess it was the master cylinder, though I've never seen one actually leak when it went bad.