Weigh anchor!

Post by **Peetee** » Tue May 03, 2005 7:34 pm

Oh dear, the tales relating to Joe increase by the day.

The brakes are cr*p. There is loads of travel before they do anything. They don't feel spongy so I don't think there is air in the system. I've adjusted the pads, inspected the cylinders for leaks and topped up the master cylinder.
Any Ideas?

Post by **ColinP** » Tue May 03, 2005 7:41 pm

ok,

here's another two pwnnyworth!

What's the pedal feel like at the end of the travel? - soft/spongy or firm?

The only way I know to have excessive travel and a firm pedal is to have too big a gap betwenn the shoes and the drums. If you've adjusted the brakes (all 4 of them) so that they are just off the drums, then I'd suspect the brake cylinders. pistons and seals (or a very large air bubbble!).

Try stamping on the pedal a couple of times and keeping the m/c topped up (the pistons may free up)

Colin

If the linings are very worn, it may not be possible to adjust.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue May 03, 2005 8:19 pm

Sounds like air - so bleed them ! It's a good idea to bleed fresh fluid through the brakes once a year anyway - and throw the old stuff away !

Post by **simmitc** » Tue May 03, 2005 10:35 pm

There is some adjustment available on the push rod that connects the pedal to the master cylinder, accessed by lifting the plate that covers the master cylinder. BUT it is VERY rare that this will need adjustment; once set it should be correct unless the m/c has been replaced or someone has meddled. If it is adjusted too far then it can prevent the piston clearing the ports. Also, you can make this adjustment only when the rest of the brakes have been set properly.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed May 04, 2005 12:28 pm

If you've looked at the cylinders etc.. then it is best to adjust the shoes, then give it some really fiece presses on the pedal and adjust the shoes again. This makes sure that the shoes are centralised, otherwise you'll end up with more piston travel than you need.

Post by **Willie** » Wed May 04, 2005 6:59 pm

If your pedal feels firm when it eventually stops then try rapidly
pumping the pedal, if the free movement decreases with each pump
then your shoes are too far from the drums. Be very careful if you
are thinking of adjusting the master cylinder operating rod. There is
VERY LITTLE spare thread to play with, you could put yourself in
danger of losing all the brakes!!