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Brakes 88 LX 5.0 - help! no brakes

  • Thread starter Thread starter DRGunn427
  • Start date Start date Feb 26, 2025
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    1988 lx brakes fox body 5.0 mustang 1988 notchback
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DRGunn427

Member
Feb 26, 2025
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Houston, Texas USA
Feb 26, 2025
#1
  • Feb 26, 2025
  • #1
I have a new to me 1988 LX 5.0 with a brake issue. I don't know much about the car itself and its my first dive into a fox body. I've had a 66 Mustang for 30 years so I know enough to be dangerous. The LX has had a 5 lug swap with cobra brake calipers. The brake pedal goes to the floor and there is about ZERO brake response. The engine is supercharged, and it idles at around 7 inches of mercury. I'm guessing that's not enough to supply the booster properly. However, if I understand how the booster works, low vacuum pressure would not equate to a pedal that pushes to the floor. If the car was only low on vacuum then the pedal would be hard to press, not easy, correct? While I may indeed have a booster issue with low vacuum my guess is I first have some hydraulic issue with brake lines or the master cylinder. Without the car running or any mechanical advantage I should be able to get a firm pedal if everything on the hydraulic side of the system is working the way it should. For my low vacuum pressure my thought is to add an electric vacuum pump but I'm open to ideas on that. Someone please point me in a direction. Thanks.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
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polk county florida
Feb 27, 2025
#2
  • Feb 27, 2025
  • #2
I don't know much about the effects of boost and low vacuum issues with brake boosters but yes you have a hydraulic pressure issue or rather a lack of hydraulic pressure, start with fluid in the master cylinder, if it's dry you may have to bench bleed it.
You also need to ID the brake booster, stock fox booster or a cobra style, a pic may help.
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
Oct 4, 2020
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Feb 27, 2025
#3
  • Feb 27, 2025
  • #3
You either have air in your system or a MC going bad........
Your brake system is not stock so make sure all of the caliper bleed screws are at the top of the caliper... Seen calipers installed wrong before..
 
Last edited: Feb 27, 2025

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
Oct 28, 2001
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Claremore, OK
Feb 27, 2025
#4
  • Feb 27, 2025
  • #4
When the engine is not running what does the pedal feel like? Is there brake fluid in the MC reservoir? Have you bled the brakes? I have more questions but need these answered to ask the right ones.
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
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nevada
Feb 27, 2025
#5
  • Feb 27, 2025
  • #5
Since its new to you and there are no brakes , its time to get her ass on four jack stands( or a lift ) and go over the entire brake system.
Last thing you need is a wreak.
There is great info on the cobra brake swap on here, read all of it twice to start with.
Take pics and post them up .
 
Reactions: limp and General karthief
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