1964 no brake pedal

[shop guy]

customer brought in his 64 t-bird that he converted to front disk. we cannot get a brake pedal. has anyone had any problems like this? i feel im not getting enuff piston travel.

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[sre]

I assume he bought a Kit. The kit has a new dual master cylinder? Was the M/cylinder bled on the bench? It has a propotioning valve? It is plumbed correctly? Did the new M/C come with a brake booster? I always bleed the M/C on a bench in a vise.

 

[Ward 57]

I assume he bought a Kit. The kit has a new dual master cylinder? Was the M/cylinder bled on the bench? It has a propotioning valve? It is plumbed correctly? Did the new M/C come with a brake booster? I always bleed the M/C on a bench in a vise.

I have found out you can not bench bleed the M/C on a stock early bird. I tried it and it just locked up on me. My rebuilder told me and showed me that there is a valve in the M/C that needs the leverage of the pedal to push fluid through that valve. I think it's there to prevent any residual pressure from activating the brakes especially if you have a booster.

 

[shop guy]

I assume he bought a Kit. The kit has a new dual master cylinder? Was the M/cylinder bled on the bench? It has a propotioning valve? It is plumbed correctly? Did the new M/C come with a brake booster? I always bleed the M/C on a bench in a vise.

yes kit has new booster, dual master, proportioning valve, all new hoses and lines. i also put new wheel cylinders. but cant build a pedal. bleeders are at top of calipers. but i noticed that i only have about 3/4" shaft travel.

 

[sre]

I'm confused, you installed a dual chamber M/C. It then is newer then the original. I just have never run into a M/C that couldn't be bled on the bench. OK Have you ever bled brakes with a vacumn pump. I sometimes use this method, never had a problem. You can buy a vacumum kit for about 35.00. Start where you would normally, R/Rear.

 

[shop guy]

I'm confused, you installed a dual chamber M/C. It then is newer then the original. I just have never run into a M/C that couldn't be bled on the bench. OK Have you ever bled brakes with a vacumn pump. I sometimes use this method, never had a problem. You can buy a vacumum kit for about 35.00. Start where you would normally, R/Rear.

i have a vaccum pump ive sucked a quart and a half of fluid thru the system. everything on this system was replaced except rear shoes. and they're adjusted all the way out. wonder if i need to intall a residual valve in the rear line.

 

[Ward 57]

I would question the M/C. Are you getting proper volume to the lines? New doesn't means it works these days.

 

[4VE]

customer brought in his 64 t-bird that he converted to front disk. we cannot get a brake pedal. has anyone had any problems like this? i feel im not getting enuff piston travel.

Did the master cyl get changed out? Talk to the people at Wilwood. There is a bunch of geometry involved with the brake pedal arm from pivot point to the clevis.

 

[74 Harley]

Check your porportioning valve and make sure it's plumbed correctly.

 

[Bigg Al]

I ran into a similar problem on my disc brake conversion, good fluid at all four wheels and still no pedal. Did a minor adjustment on the pedal to booster rod, about 3 turns open and the brakes function well. Good luck

 

[shop guy]

I would question the M/C. Are you getting proper volume to the lines? New doesn't means it works these days.

thats why i was questioning the rod distance. he had put in the master that came in the kit and purchased a second master. and ive used them both. he was fighting this for months before he brought it to us. and i've been dealing with it for a week or so. i have never had a brake issue like this. its probably something simple im overlooking.

 

[Ward 57]

Been there done that. Something I have learned is to observe the symptoms to direct yourself to the root problem and not just address the symptoms. Cars and our own bodies, find the root cause.