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  '64 1/2 to '73 -- The Classic Mustang
  Brake Troubles

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Author Topic:   Brake Troubles
Starscream66
Journeyman

Posts: 3
From: Westminster, Ca
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-01-2004 04:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Starscream66   Click Here to Email Starscream66     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My girlfriend bought a '66 289 with drum power brakes and a single resevoir master cylinder.It was one of those make it pretty and sell it quick deals. I tried to warn her, but it was red, and she couldn't resist it.

Anyway, the brakes had always been really stiff and had no respose till the bottom. you had to keep both feet on the pedal just to sit at a freakin red light.The master cylinder is brand new and her mechanic has looked at the brakes before and said that there was nothing he could do about the stiff pedal, "thats just how these old cars are" was what he said. Personaly, I think he's an idiot.

Recently the tranny blew a main seal and had to sit for a few months till I could get it fixed. When I got it back the brakes were WAY screwed. Now, the pedal is still really stiff but even slight pressure causes the brakes to totaly lock.

There seems to be plenty of vacume at the booster and removing the line causes rough idle so I'm fairly certain that there are no leaks.

I have been poking around here on your forums and have started to piece together a few things.
1. I know absolutly NOTHING about Mustangs
2. It's possible that this car did not have stock power brakes
3. The coversion may have been done incorrectly. i.e. used the wrong pedal or push rod.
4. I might need a vacume canister? not sure?

If anyone has had this same symtom or knows somthig about what in the hell is going on I would really appreciate you input as my girlfriends constant nagging about fxing it is starting to get on my nerves.

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V8 Thumper
Gearhead

Posts: 4044
From: Orange, Ca. United States of America
Registered: Dec 2001

posted 02-01-2004 04:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for V8 Thumper   Click Here to Email V8 Thumper     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Your girl has very good taste

I'm stumped; that's an odd one indeed. Today being Super Sunday, I imagine many of our members are sittin' in front of the tube (like I'm going to be shortly ). You'll get plenty of feedback on this after the game.

Another SoCal member

Welcome to M&M

------------------
1965 GT coupe, 333ci aluminum headed/solid cammed stroker, four speed, 3.70:1 9"

All Blue Oval, no blue bottle
http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/V8Thumper.html

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Starscream66
Journeyman

Posts: 3
From: Westminster, Ca
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-01-2004 05:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Starscream66   Click Here to Email Starscream66     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Going to watch the game myself.

I will check back tomorow after work.

BTW. nice stang Thumper.

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V8 Thumper
Gearhead

Posts: 4044
From: Orange, Ca. United States of America
Registered: Dec 2001

posted 02-01-2004 05:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for V8 Thumper   Click Here to Email V8 Thumper     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thank you

------------------
1965 GT coupe, 333ci aluminum headed/solid cammed stroker, four speed, 3.70:1 9"

All Blue Oval, no blue bottle
http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/V8Thumper.html

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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator

Posts: 37235
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99

posted 02-01-2004 05:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveLaRiviere   Click Here to Email SteveLaRiviere     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sounds like your vacuum booster isn't working. When you unplugged it, it would run rough unless you plug the hose because that's a massive vacuum leak, so that's not really a test of the booster.

You test the booster by using a vacuum pump like a 'Mity-vac' and seeing if it hold vacuum. Another easier test is to have your foot on the brake while the engine is running, then shut the car off. Then, as you pump the brake you should feel the pedal go down after 4-5 pumps. Then, keeping your foot on the brake, start the car back up, and you'll feel the pedal rise as the vacuum enters the booster.

------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip

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Starscream66
Journeyman

Posts: 3
From: Westminster, Ca
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 02-02-2004 01:59 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Starscream66   Click Here to Email Starscream66     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tried that and there is no change in the feeling of the pedal at all, running or not or with the hose removed.

So I guess it is the booster.

But wouldn't a bad booster cuase a vacume leak and effect the idle?

[This message has been edited by Starscream66 (edited 02-02-2004).]

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