I've bled the brakes, and have new shoes as well as new wheel cylinders all around in a 1972 maverick 2 door. I extended the adjuster so the shoes are very close to the drum. I am still having major problems with braking, there is a lot of pedal movement before any braking action. Do I need new drums? Have I done something wrong? Thanks for any advice!
master cylinder bleed-by? any fluid coming out from the back of the master cylinder? do you have manual or power brakes?
Yeah, I think I'm getting fluid out the rear of master cylinder, hadn't thought to look there. Manual brakes. Will fluid be coming out of the rear of the master cylinder while bleeding? or while putting pressure on the brakes? Or both? New master cylinder is needed?
If the pedal feels very spongy, you need bleed the master cylinder. Take the top off the master cylinder and have someone push the brake pedal. If you get a stream of fluid coming back into the reservoir as the pedal is pushed down you may need to replace the master cylinder.
With drum brakes you need to adjust the shoes so they just drag on the drums. when you hit the pedal it should move about 1/2" and be as solid as a rock.
If at any point during your brake re-build the master cyl went dry(no fluid in the reservoir) You will need to bleed the mastr cyl.If you have brake fluid coming out the back of the master onto the firewall or inside the car...The master cyl is bad replace it.AS Paul S said...be certain the shoes are adjusted properly too.Poor adjustment will cause excessive pedal travel and poor brake function.
x2 ive seen people think the pedal is low till they look at the actual travel something to keep in mind
Measure the inside of the drum and compare this to the Max diameter that is written on the drum, should be 9.060" for 6 cyl car or 10.060" for V8. Have you adjusted the brake shoes by applying the brakes while backing up
Master cylinder replaced, problem solved! Thanks for everyone's help, and good luck with your projects!
