A power brake question for 57 T-Bird.

M

martinjbraun

New member
On a 57 T-bird with power brakes, what would cause the brakes to stay engaged for a second or two after you remove your foot from the brake pedal, they then release.
 
I'm guessing there could be corrosion or debris in the master cylinder, the moving parts of the vacuum booster and/or wheel cylinders. That could cause something to get hung up.
Also weak or broken return springs on the shoes, possible excess wear of shoes & drums or other moving parts inside the brake drums.

.
 
Last edited:
I tore apart the boost and inspected all moving parts, they appear ok. Here's something I failed to mention. When the car is "cold", it doesn't do it. Once the car warms up is when I notice the brakes sticking.
 
Check the adjustment on the rod from the pedal to master cylinder. IIRC there's an eccentric bolt. Too tight, no free play, add heat, the brakes aren't quite releasing fully. I've actually had them almost lock up from that.

Edit, if the play is ok, the master cylinder is next. Not much room or airflow between it and the exhaust manifold.
 
Last edited:
miker98038 said:
Check the adjustment on the rod from the pedal to master cylinder. IIRC there's an eccentric bolt.
.....if the play is ok, the master cylinder is next. Not much room or airflow between it and the exhaust manifold.
Click to expand...
Yes, the bolt thru the MC push rod is fastened to the brake pedal with a bolt that has an eccentric shoulder to hold and adjust the end play of the rod.

FYI, there should be a small stainless steel heat shield under the master cylinder,
approx 4 x 6 inches. A previous owner or repair shop may have left it off.
Not sure if it actually helps but Ford thought so and I'll go along.
Some of them had a notch in the drivers-side front corner to help clear the brake line fitting.

(edit)
It won't hurt to double check for binding or worn parts on the pivot point for the brake pedal.
IIRC, there's a pedal return spring up there too.
.
 

Attachments

  • master cylinder heat shield.jpg
    master cylinder heat shield.jpg
    82.1 KB · Views: 15
  • IMG_20170906_152253352[1].jpg
    IMG_20170906_152253352[1].jpg
    60.6 KB · Views: 16
Last edited:
check for grease or brake fluid on the shoes.worst case it will give you a chance to check wheel cylinders for leakage.one brake locking shoes to drum will hold car back.speaking from experience many years ago more than once
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top