AboutKevin Pilotte Expertise I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.
Experience I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.
Organizations I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.
Publications I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.
Question I recently purchased a 64 rambler 770 and wanted to know how to adjust the
brakes. Right now the brakes are extremely sensitive, and sometimes I've
pressed the brake pedal and it seems like I have to press extremely hard to
get the car to come to a stop... I'm not sure if during those instances the
power brakes are failing or if I need to pump the brakes. Does this sound like
a major problem? What are my first steps to finding out the problem?
Thanks
Mike
Answer Mike,
Let me start off by saying if you have a brake problem and you're not that familar with brakes, find a good mechanic to do any work.
A number of things could cause you to press down hard on the brake pedal to stop the car.
1) Worn brakes
2) grease or oil on the brake linings
3) brake booster leaking
4) Air in brake lines
Brakes out of adjustment will result in the brake pedal going down far, but by pumping the brake pedal, the pedal should come up.
