54 power brakes

harry54
harry54 Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Went to take out my 54 hornet out this weekend and ran into brake trouble.

Here are the symtoms....

A. Pedal near the floor and hard as a rock...

B. Car doesn't stop at all...

C. Parking brake is the only thing that will stop the car...





Any ideas ??



Thanks,

Comments

  • rambos_ride
    rambos_ride Senior Contributor
    harry54 wrote:
    Went to take out my 54 hornet out this weekend and ran into brake trouble.
    Here are the symtoms....
    A. Pedal near the floor and hard as a rock...
    B. Car doesn't stop at all...
    C. Parking brake is the only thing that will stop the car...


    Any ideas ??

    Thanks,

    Power Brakes, cool!

    First check the fluid levels and visually inspect the brake backing plates to see if there is any brake fluid loss.

    Next, if the power assist is vacuum operated - pop the hose off and see if the diaphram holds pressure by sucking on the hose a little...if you can draw air, the power assist is probably toast.

    If that all looks good, the only thing left would be the master cylinder itself.

    I had a 70 Cadillac Convert and was driving down a steep hill when my power assist went out, it was quite an experience trying to slow that big-ol-pig down, and not one I'd care to repeat :eek:
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    I had the exact same problem with my 54 Tredle-Vac! My symptoms were that you had to stand on the hard pedal, then all of a sudden the brakes would lock up! It turned out to be the rubber brake line that runs from the power brake unit to the distribution block on the frame. The rubber had deteriorated inside, at the metal fittings. I took a drill and drilled the rotten rubber out. It solved the problem. THIS IS NOT A PERMANENT FIX. I had a new hose made with the correct fittings at Tompkins Industries in Olathe, Kansas (it took them 10 min.). Google search (Tompkins Industries Hydraulic Adapters and Fittings). Tompkins has other locations around the country.



    John
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    thx all for your insight... i'll get back to you 'll on the fix..
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