Posted by Eric B. on Friday, November 29, 2002 at 8:29PM :
In Reply to: Brake Help posted by KenW on Friday, November 29, 2002 at 7:59PM :
A couple hints from a non expert in FF PW brakes.
I was working on the brakes for a 53 1/2 ton, and we could NOT get them to bleed.
After adjusting everything MANY times, I was moved from pumper of the brake pedal, to filler of master cylinder(I was not in DIRTY clothes). In that job I noticed that the brake switch was blowing bubbles, we pulled that, replaced it with a plug, and soon had a good pedal.
In other trucks I have done on my own I have found several common problems.
1. Air leaking somewere, this is not as obvious as a fluid leak(smaller puddle), and just as troublesome.
2. Air TRAPPED somewhere, this is a real pain and requires you to go around the brake lines with a rubber, wood, or brass hammer, and tap (lightly!!) on them all, as you bleed.
3. Pedal to master cylinder adjustment, if this is not right it causes all kinds of problems.
In your case, If you find no leaks at all, not even a TINY bit of seapage, and you tap the lines to loosen air bubbles, then bleed, and you still have poor pedal you have a couple other options.
1. You could try and remove the Mico and replace with solid line. If that solves the problem, then leave out the Mico.
2. You are expecting to much from these brakes, they are 41 years old, and will not stop like a new truck.
Of course on my 58 W100 I went through the WHOLE brake system, new rubber lines, new steel lines, new master, new wheel cylinders.
That truck STOPPED! My girlfriend used to drive it, and I warned her it would not stop like my car. She got into heavy traffic, and had to hit the brakes in a panic, the truck outstopped other drivers, and she never worried again!
I think a FF can stop well if the brakes are in good tune.
Good luck!!
Eric
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