Jump to: Brake FAQ | 12 inch brake swap

 

Warning/Plan "B"/Tips/hints....

Where to shop.
I recommend finding an auto parts store who carries MOOG brand. Moog is the best product you can get, and is generally what you get when you buy a top of the line (and marked up), aftermarket front end kits.

Brake System Restoration

General Description (1974)
All Camaros came with front disc and rear drum brakes. Rear disc brakes were not offered on the Camaro (they were available, and are often swapped from late 70's Trans Ams with WS6). Manual brakes were standard (up until 1976), with power assist brakes being optional. The Brake system uses a dual circuit hydraulic system with warning light and self-adjusting features. Metering and proportioning valves provide balance between front and rear wheels.

The front brakes are a 11" cast iron vented rotor using a single piston floating caliper. Piston diameter is 2.94", total swept area is 217.9 square inches.

The rear brakes are a 9.5 x 2" drum. Effective area is 66.58 square inches. Swept area is 119.4 square inches. Piston diameter is .875" (.938 after 1975).

Master cylinder diameter is 1".
Piston travel is 1.416" (manual) or 1.342 (power).
Pedal travel is 7.5" (manual) 5.26" (power).
Pedal ratio is 5.36:1 (manual) and 3.52:1 (power).
Line pressure is 550 (manual) or 900 (power) PSI at 100# pedal load.

Mechanical parking brake is cable activated via foot pedal, locking rear brakes.

Component usage & identification

Year	Component Type	Part #	Code/Comments
1970 - 1974	Master Cylinder (manual brakes)
1975	Master Cylinder (manual brakes)
1976 - 1980	Master Cylinder (manual brakes)
1970 - 1980	Master Cylinder (power)	0884, 1344, 2231655, BE
1981	Master Cylinder (power)		Plastic housing
1970 - 1972	Brake rotor
1973 - 1978	Brake rotor
1979 - 1981	Brake rotor		metric lugs
1970 - 1974	Brake Drum (smooth)
1970 - 1981	Brake Drum (finned)
1970 - 1976	Caliper
1977	Caliper
1978	Caliper
1979 - 1980	Caliper
1981	Caliper

All years use 11" rotor.  All use 5 stud on 4 3/4 bolt pattern.

Calipers from 1970 to 1980 interchange by obtaining the correct hose, bracket and using proper attaching bolts.  Otherwise observe above interchange grouping.

Brake System FAQ
Typical Brake System - exploded view
Parking Brake System - exploded view

Related Components
Pedals.