No brakes

[matthones]

Hello all,

It's been a few years since I've been on the forum, long story short, my truck has been sitting as long as I've been away.

I got my truck to turnover with a new battery, but I have no brakes. I have a '68 GMC, drums all the way around, and I cannot build up pressure on the brakes. Do I need to rebuild the master cylider, get a new one, or troubleshoot something else in the system? There's fluid in the cylinder, is this a simple case of trying to bleed the system? TIA,

Matt

[AZKen]

I don't know if your pedal is up or not. If not, it is probably the MC. It is best to inspect all wheels. Look at the shoes, wheel cylinders, springs, etc and look for leaks. Rebuilding is easy but a reman MC is $30.
Your fluid needs drained/flushed, blow out lines. Bleed/install new MC and bleed system. Don't mess around with brakes. Do it all. Two years is a long time to sit. Condensation can cause havoc inside lines if truck sits that long. Rust and all manner of troubles.

[matthones]

Thanks Ken. The pedal is up, and when I push down it does pop back up. Looks like I might just redo the MC and bleed the entire system. I guess while I'm at it I might redo the wheel cylinders too. No need to take chances.

[AZKen]

I asked it wrong but you answered my question. I meant pumped up. Bad question phrasing. The spring keeps it up. I should have asked if it goes to the floor with no resistance. Your plan sounds really good. MC sounds like it's shot. Rebuilt is only $27 @ O'Reilly's with Lifetime warranty. Kits are $25 and up? Wheel cylinders are $10 front, $13 rear each. Not worth rebuilding. Easy, cheap, no mess, warranty. No reamer to buy.

[matthones]

Already stopped by O'Reilly earlier. Cheapest around and can have all the parts in next day. I should have this finished up on Friday if I'm lucky. Hard to get stuff done during the week when I don't get home til almost 6 and spend some time with the kiddos before they get to bed.