Classic/Antique Car Repair/LOW BRAKE PEDAL

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Expert: - 4/10/2009


Question
1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD HAS A LOW BRAKE PEDAL AFTER COMPLETE BRAKE JOB AND BLEEDING AT LEAST 3 TIMES.
NEW LININGS, CYLINDERS, SPRING KIT, NEW FLUID.
ANY IDEA'S?

Answer
I would start by removing all the wheels and drums to be sure that all of the wheel cylinder push rods are installed correctly, that the self adjusters are installed correctly and that the shoes are seated correctly against the anchor pins. As to the bleeding process itself I like to use the Myty Vac system where the fluid is drawn through the bleeder screw using vacuum. It eliminates air being drawn back into the system when using the manual pump the brake pedal method. Then make sure that the initial brake adjustment is correct and that the shoes are seated.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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