Problems braking

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hi,

I have some problems with braking. I have redone all of the braking components. At first I thought it might be the new brake pads and that it would get a little better - but not yet. Problem is that I really have to step on it to get the car to brake - it does brake, but with a lot of effort.

Any suggestions on apossible solution

Regards
Dewald

Comments

  • Terraplane33
    Terraplane33 Expert Adviser
    What car is it ? Is it a cable system ? If yes, the brake pedal should be adjusted in such a way it starts braking only when pressed down about half way.
    If hydraulic, there are more possibilities like cylinder diameter, maybe flexible hoses are clogged up from inside etc...
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    The sugestion would be to check how the shoes are installed and adjusted. You dont say what year or model but Hudson did things different than others. Get the factory set up proceure and check. On the Step down cars the longer shoe is not put in the rear its in front. I understand this is counter to standard practice.
    Also the brakes do not touch the drrum when properly adjusted. A feeler gauge is used to get even clearance all around.The proper adjustment is also critical to the backup braking system working corectly,
    Roger
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Here's an off the wall possibility: is the mechanical backup adjusted too tightly, so that it kicks in before you've actually engaged the hydraulics? If so, then you'd be mechanically braking only the two rear wheels, not all four. And since the front brakes do most of the work, that would mean you'd have to press more than twice as hard as you would with all four wheels stopping you.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you have Walt's tech tip books, go to volume one, page 6 and 7 and read how to set up Hudson brakes, 1948 to 1954. If no books try to borrow it from someone that may have them. Never put the long brake shoe on the front side, those are secondary shoes, primary are the short shoes and go on the front side, this is on all 4 wheels. You will have good stopping power if you follow my set up. Walt.
  • RonS
    RonS Senior Contributor
    A big part of this confusion is when someone looks at an illustration of Bendix brakes it, rarely if ever, says, which side of the car the picture is showing. A good picture is in Motors in the Hudson section. it shows a rear PASSENGER side, due to the parking brake cable entering from the right side of the backing plate. Walt is right primary is front and short, therefore, the long shoe(secondary) is on the rear.
  • mikeyb
    mikeyb Senior Contributor
    A few weeks ago I had the same problem. In my (original) 1949 service manual there are different pix showing different positions of the shoes... once the long one is in the front, once it's acing the rear. A quick e-mail to Walt gave me the correct position and now the brakes do work much better.

    Mike
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sorry for not including...it's a 40 sedan.

    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them out and let you know.

    Dewald
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Sorry bout that I loked at the wrong photo too . . .
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I'm gonna take a chance here and ask a related brake question about a brand X product. My Hudson never had a brake problem and the minor adjustments I made went well, my 35 Pontiac has a similar system, but the manuals aren't very detailed. Do you think that the Hudson brake adjustment process would transfer? The Pontiac says to adjust the primary shoe eccentric to 10 thousandths, then adjust the anchor pin to slight drag, adjust shoe adjustment to full stop and back of "12 clicks" test and repeat as necessary. I assume that means adjust both shoes(primary and secondary) but the manual doesn't specify. Any help would be appreciated. Getting help on the Pontiac Forum is difficult unless you drive a GTO.

    Joe
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Your brakes are much like Hudson, only you have 3 adjustments to make. Find a friend that owns a Hudson and ask him if he has Walt.s tech tip books, volume one on page 6&7 is the story. Walt.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks Walt, and to all the others on this thread, thank you for your forbearance.

    Joe
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    From 1940 to 1954 Hudson brakes set up the same. They all have the dual brake set up. Walt.
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