? master brake cylinder

[Chapel Thrill]

very novice question. i have a '81 sc with 60k miles in very good shape. I recently took her out for the spring. I noticed the brake pedal is soft for the first 1/2 of depression. Does this seem like master cylinder and is this a repair for a relative novice? Thanks for any suggestions

[Jdub]

You say that you notice this, which means it seems different from your pre-storage state? If so, I think you first perform a brake bleed and then exercise the car (and the brakes, seals, etc. that benefit from brake fluid saturation) by taking it for regular drives. A MC will eventually wear out by age and not miles so do be aware of this as you work with your brake system. I do not want to dismiss any component for the sake of safety here.

EDIT: Often the breakup of rubber inside the flexible brake lines at each wheel will prevent full retraction of the pad, and a soft feel at the pedal. You might replace these before you bleed the system.

[Charles Freeborn]

Flush, replace fluid and bleed - every year. One of the cheapest and most important safety / performance maintenance items you can do.
-C