Garret, If the pedal feels soft or spongy, even after pumping, you probably have air in the brake lines. Bleed the lines. If the pedal feels normally firm after pumping, your brakes probably need to be adjusted at the brake shoes. Excessive clearance (wear) at the shoes requires pumping the brake pedal (the first time) to push the wheel cylinder pistons out so the shoes contact the drum and "take up the slack". A residual pressure valve in the master cylinder will hold the pistons out for a short time, against the pull of the return springs. The second application of the pedal can then apply the shoes forcefully to the drum. Consult your Shop Manual for performing a "minor brake adjustment". Dave Homstad 56 Dodge D500
----- Original Message ----- From: Garrett Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 9:23 PM To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [FWDLK] Brake Question
I just had a quick question on brakes. I figured bleeding the brakes will
solve this problem, but will appreciate any advice or any other possible
problems/corrections of problems. If I sound like a complete idiot, forgive
me, its been one of those days. So, here we go. The problem I have is I
need to pump the brakes once before they really grab the car and slow it
down. This isn't once after I start the car, this is once before I apply
the brakes, every time I apply the brakes. As you can imagine, it gets
tiresome, and at times even a little scarry. Anyway, I planned on bleeding
the brake lines to see if this helps, I haven't done so yet, but plan to.
The Master Cylinder IS full of brake fluid, it hasn't lost but maybe a drop,
if even. If anyone has any alternate ideas, I'd appreciate it.
Garrett
57 Coronet with a history of brake problems.
PS- I would like to thank John in WI for correcting my problem. I DID write
"I might have flaming hemorrhoids, explosive diarrhea, a lethal case of
jock-itch, and severe bladder control problems..." in response to the
bickering going on.
What I meant to write was "my car has flames shooting from the exhaust, it
has
a nitrous system, makes athletes envious, and guzzles gasoline!"
My Bad, and thanks John.
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