Viewing a thread - Removing bellows booster

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Removing bellows booster Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]	View previous thread :: View next thread
Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Brakes, Wheels and Tires	Message format

Forgotten 61

Posted 2024-09-18 1:12 PM (#637044)
Subject: Removing bellows booster

Veteran

Posts: 162
100

Location: Central New York

Hello, I'm looking for some info or feedback on a problem I'm having. My 61 Fury is equipped with power brakes (bellows type). I am not familiar with this setup as my 60 Belvedere

had manual brakes. I got the car as is and is completely stock. I can't access the master cylinder cover to check for fluid because the bellows are covering it. My question is, Can I remove the bellows and power brake system thereby making it a manual system. I'm no master mechanic but I'm not afraid to try to do the work myself. I don't have a manual yet but will soon. I've been reading several threads here and have gotten some good info. I'm not a stickler for originality and I really don't care if I power brakes, as I'm used to driving a forward look car with manual brakes. A brake conversion is somewhere down the road, but Id like to run the car now. Any thoughts or info would be appreciated. Thanks.

56D500boy

Posted 2024-09-18 6:27 PM (#637045 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: RE: Removing bellows booster

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10190
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Step away from the bellows removal tools.

Removing the bellows to check and/or refill the brake fluid in the master cylinder(MC) is unnecessary.

What is necessary is 7/16" box end wrench, preferably one that ratchets.

Use the wrench to get the bolt removal started. Then get in there with your left hand and spin the bolt out of the threads and then manipulate
the bolt out of the MC and place it in a safe place. Wiggle the MC lid off and use a flash light to check the fluid level.

I think it should be about 3/8" to 1/4" from the top. If you need to add fluid, figure out whether it needs to be DOT 3 or 4 (or 5??) and add fluid,
as necessary, using a slanted funnel like this one:

Or this one:

REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=63686&...

(60DodgePowerBrakeInfo.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

60DodgePowerBrakeInfo.jpg (243KB - 24 downloads)

Powerflite

Posted 2024-09-18 6:49 PM (#637049 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9898
5000

Location: So. Cal

You could always just use a remote reservoir master like I did when I converted to a dual master cylinder.

(58FF Remote Brake Master.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

58FF Remote Brake Master.jpg (169KB - 22 downloads)

Forgotten 61

Posted 2024-09-20 8:58 AM (#637073 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Veteran

Posts: 162
100

Location: Central New York

Well I got the M.C. cover off (thanks for the info) and found the fluid was right up there and even looked pretty clean. I viewed some past threads here on adjusting the brakes because I still have little to no pedal so that's my next task. Any tricks or tips on that procedure ?
I haven't received the manual yet and I don't have the special tool that I've seen in some of the threads here. Things look pretty old and crusty and I don't want to break anything and cause more problems. Thanks.

56D500boy

Posted 2024-09-20 9:48 AM (#637074 - in reply to #637073)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10190
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Good news on the fluid level.

You can get an electronic pdf of your (or close to your) car's Factory Service Manual from MyMopar.com. Download, save and open.

https://mymopar.com/service-manuals/

Sometime ago, I posted this:

56D500boy - 2019-05-04 12:40 PM

Couldn't find a proper center-plane brake adjuster or even a 3/8" breaker bar last week so I was used a 1/4" ratchet with a 7/16" deep socket. Worked but painful when you have to change the direction of the ratchet. Yesterday I finally found a 3/8" breaker bar and bought it and a deep 6-point 7/16" socket. This will be my new brake adjusting tool.

I am going to review this video (I get lost where I am at on the adjusting cam sometimes):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkaINRQ4uOA&feature=youtu.be

Powerflite

Posted 2024-09-20 12:24 PM (#637075 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9898
5000

Location: So. Cal

Right, it's just a 7/16" head bolt that you need to turn. If I remember right, you turn them away from each other on the rear to increase contact. I don't remember how the fronts go, but you can look it up in the service manual.

Forgotten 61

Posted 2024-09-23 5:46 PM (#637128 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: RE: Removing bellows booster

Veteran

Posts: 162
100

Location: Central New York

GOOD NEWS !! The service manual came this morning. This will now be referred to as "the Good Book" I'll diving into the brake section to learn about the system.

Thanks 56D and Powerflite. I now have a brake adjusting tool. I'm hoping that they're just WAY out of adjustment 'cause there's almost no pedal (to the floor) before it slows to a stop.

I'm hoping that the adjuster cams are free enough to be adjusted. Thanks for all the great info.

Forgotten 61

Posted 2024-10-01 9:38 PM (#637216 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Veteran

Posts: 162
100

Location: Central New York

The brake cam bolts are are rock solid , I've tried to break them free (breaker bar) but i don't want to do damage so I stopped. Are there any places to lube these so I can get them free and do an adjustment if needed.

56D500boy

Posted 2024-10-02 11:11 AM (#637222 - in reply to #637216)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 10190
5000

Location: Lower Mainland BC

Forgotten 61 - 2024-10-01 6:38 PM
Are there any places to lube these so I can get them free and do an adjustment if needed.

Try a spray like PB Blaster, Moovit or Liquid wrench, preferably one that has one of those long red straws that
you can attach to the nozzle and pin-point direct the spray, from the back side, to the point where the adjuster
enters the backing plate. Once sprayed, let it sit for a few hours/days and try again.

If you can get the drum off, at least temporarily, you could spray the adjust cam bolts from the inside,
as well.

REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=70484&...

Good luck

Powerflite

Posted 2024-10-02 12:04 PM (#637223 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Expert 5K+

Posts: 9898
5000

Location: So. Cal

Yes, I recommend taking the drum off if that's the case. You'll be able to get right to the source of the problem that way.

Forgotten 61

Posted 2024-10-02 9:02 PM (#637230 - in reply to #637044)
Subject: Re: Removing bellows booster

Veteran

Posts: 162
100

Location: Central New York

Thanks guys, but I'm sure you'll understand that I'm trying to avoid a tear down of the brakes just so i can make a quick adjustment. I'm well aware that the system will need an overhaul in the future. Probably over the winter.
Right now , I'd like to drive it around safely. I'm just trying to figure out why there's almost no pedal and the car takes the length of a neighborhood to stop.

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]

Jump to forum :

Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *

(Delete all cookies set by this site)