Treadlevac Question

Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I need your expertise. I just rebuilt the Treadlevac on my 1956 Hornet and it doesn't appear to be working.



After the brakes are applied the pedal will not return and the brakes stay applied until I physically bring the pedal up. The book I have doesn't show any adjustment procedures for the Treadlevac linkage. I have adjusted it out so that the brake pedal returns, without the motor running but when I start the motor the brake pedal will not return.



Any help would be appreciated.



GMP :confused:

Comments

  • EssexAdv
    EssexAdv Expert Adviser, Member
    Been a while since I looked at one of them. Isn't there a valve in the bottom of the fluid cup. It might be in up-side down
  • EssexAdv wrote:
    Been a while since I looked at one of them. Isn't there a valve in the bottom of the fluid cup. It might be in up-side down

    Thank you



    I opened the master cyc. and watch the valve open when I pushed down on the brake pad and close when I released the brakes. I believe that is the way it is suppose to work.



    GMP
  • GMPHH wrote:
    Thank you



    I opened the master cyc. and watch the valve open when I pushed down on the brake pad and close when I released the brakes. I believe that is the way it is suppose to work.



    GMP



    I think it is the other way around…..when the pedal is actuated the valve closes to prevent pressure from going to the reservoir, when pressure is released the valve opens to allow the fluid back in the reservoir. Packard used the TreadleVac (EasaMatic) system from around 52-56 and they can be a PITA…I had to send one back to a “reputable rebuilder” twice before they got it right. One Packard guy has come up with a pretty good replacement:



    http://www.1956packardpanther.com/powerbrakes.html



    .
  • nick s
    nick s Senior Contributor
    it sounds as though you have a bind in the unit,

    were you careful of the hose orientation within the vacuum cylinder? do NOT use hose clamps within the unit as they can catch or prevent full retraction.

    try checking the compensating valve, (i think that was what lewis was eluding to) i don't think it can be installed upside down but watch its operation. it should be cocked open in the brakes released position and strait up when energized. if it was installed without the hydraulic piston fully inserted, it could bind and is probably now bentfrom the piston forcing passed it. i did have a rebuild kit where the stem was too short to contact the piston. this would keep the hydraulics from properly releasing. one other thought could be a clogged cap vent.
  • Excellant points, I'll check it out. I used a small plastic tie on the vacuum line inside the Treadlevac.



    Thanks

    GMP
  • Packard 8



    Thank you for the information. I may have to do a conversion if I can't get the treadlevac to work.



    It was working but had a vacuum leak, so I thought , I would rebuild it.



    GMP
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