Hey all,
As you might have read, I'm in the process of buying a 77 Pinto for $400, but it has some brake issues.
Before I start to explain the problem, let me start off by saying it has manual brakes, and I don't know how the pedal travel would be.
Well, I hit the pedal, and felt no resistance at first...When it would get to about half travel, there would be some force to the pedal to get it to go any further..... is that how it sould feel, or is there a possible problem?
The owner said there might be a brake problem, but the brake light was not on, but the buld lit up during the bulb test.
Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated, as I'll be driving the car if all is fine, but towing if there is a problem.
Thanx :)
sounds like air in lines or no or low fluid. didja check? If pedal sinks to floor if pushed slowly, the master cylinder is bad. if brakes pump up, it's air in lines.
checked the fluid level, and it was ok... the fluid looked kinda old, so now that I think of it that coulda been a cause there.
It may also be that the brake shoes are worn or set to far from the rear drums. The auto adjusters that keep the shoes close to the rear drums may be seized.
If the pedal feels "spongy," you will need to bleed the brake lines to remove the air. Bleeding the lines is a two-person job, one to press the pedal, one to turn the brake line valve screws. The procedure can be found in any automotive manual, so I won't get into it here.
I'm not sure, but I think the brake light only indicates that the emergency/hand brake is set. I don't think it has anything to do with the service brake (foot brake).
Again, follow my brake check procedure that I posted in another of your threads.
Quote from: Poison Pinto on June 24, 2004, 11:12:40 AM
I'm not sure, but I think the brake light only indicates that the emergency/hand brake is set. I don't think it has anything to do with the service brake (foot brake).
Actually, it does. The dash light is also hooked to a switch in the pressure differential /proportioning valve, located near the master cylinder. It is the small, brass colored block with five brake lines attached to it.
Very well, then! :)
There are one man brake bleeder kits. Basically a small jar with a line that fits the bleeder screw. works fine.
Yup.
But why spend money when you can have a friend depress the brake pedal for you for free?
I'm with both of you..... a one man brake bleeder costs money, so I can just use another person to bleed the brakes..
On the other hand, a one man bleeder would make it easier....
So, I get the best of both worlds... I don't pay for a brake bleeder, but I don't have another guy to help...
The way I do this is use a clear coke bottle about half full with clean brake fliud, and some clear hose...
I put the hose on the bleeder, and the other end inthe fluid.. open the bleeder and pump the pedal.... air gets bled out, no other person is needed, and it doesn't cost me a penny.... Good thing I have all those things just lying around the garage. :)