1955 Ford Break Issue (Newbie)

J

Jayce

Member
I'm new to working on cars, and my first car is a 1955 Ford Customline, I'm 17 years old and know little to nothing about old fords.

The reservoir is full of brake fluid, but we can't get seem to get the brakes to pump up. Where would be the best place to start?

-Thanks
 
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Sounds like you need to bleed 'em. Starting at the wheel farthest from the master stick a short piece of hose, preferably clear hose, on the bleeder nipple on the wheel cylinder and stick the other end of the hose in a small clear jar with enough brake fluid in it to cover the end of the hose. About 1/2 a jar is good. With the cover off the master and a full bottle of fluid at the ready, crack the bleeder open and have a helper press on the pedal. Watch the fluid coming out of the wheel cylinder for air bubbles. Have your helper hold the pedal down when it reaches the floor and alert you so you can close the bleeder. He may now release the pedal. Repeat until no more bubbles exit the wheel cylinder. Have your helper keep an eye on the fluid level in the master and top it up as needed. Now move to the next farthest wheel and repeat the process. Do not allow the master to go dry or you'll have to start all over.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!
 
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Welcome. My first 55 was when I was 17. 50 years ago. Great starting point. Many very knowledgeable members here.
 
Jayce
Did the car have good or marginal BRAKES when you got it?
The Master cylinder may be bad.
Dobie has given you excellent advice
 
It doesn't have breaks at all. We took the drum off, and it looks like it would be better if we re-did everything.
 
If there is any doubt about the brakes, redoing it all is best. If the system has been empty or water contaminated, don't forget to check the hard lines. Rust or blockages there are more troubles right away. It's also common for old rubber brake hoses to be worse on the inside than the outside.

There is no worse feeling in the world than hitting the brakes and having nothing. Well, the impact is worse.
 
If the master is old and sat around with no fluid, replace it. Best thing to do is put the car on 4 jack stands and take it all apart. I toss the wheel cylinders and hoses, all brake hardware and get new stuff. Have the drums checked to see if they can re re-surfaced. Good thing is that most parts are available for these old Fords.
 
We ordered all new brake cylinders, and brake shoes for the front and back. The master cylinder sat for about 4-6 years with brake fluid in it. We're going to keep the master cylinder for the time being, unless it gives us trouble.
 
Jayce said:
Yup! I got it, and signed up. Much appreciated, thanks for the help.
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At the top of the 52-59 Group you may have noticed this "FAQ" that is the big file available. You need to read this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/self-adjusting-brakes-for-a-54.899224/ and then on post #24 you will find the part numbers you need for your '55 add these parts when you install the new wheel cylinders. If this car has sat a while the old brake fluid it needs to be flushed from the lines you do not want contaminated and dirty fluid in your new parts. You should also do this upgrade,in this case the same parts will work in your '55 now you will have some stopping power and added safety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXfXKlj2D1I
 
JeffB2 said:
At the top of the 52-59 Group you may have noticed this "FAQ" that is the big file available. You need to read this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/self-adjusting-brakes-for-a-54.899224/ and then on post #24 you will find the part numbers you need for your '55 add these parts when you install the new wheel cylinders. If this car has sat a while the old brake fluid it needs to be flushed from the lines you do not want contaminated and dirty fluid in your new parts. You should also do this upgrade,in this case the same parts will work in your '55 now you will have some stopping power and added safety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXfXKlj2D1I
Click to expand...

Is this one of the videos that shows using teflon tape on a master cylinder line? Take anything you see on YT with a serious grain of salt.
 
bobss396 said:
Is this one of the videos that shows using teflon tape on a master cylinder line? Take anything you see on YT with a serious grain of salt.
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Did you post that warning on his youtube video ? Other than that he has it down OK ;)
 
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