1940 Brake rebuild not right:

[40ford]

On a stock 1940 Ford I have all new wheel cylinders,new shoes and new master cylinder and hoses.Brakes are adjusted snug on drums,system bleed.Everything seems to be good?My problem is I still have less than half a pedal?Pedal seems to be hard not spongy.Any thoughts on what could be wrong?

[51 MERC-CT]

Adjusted push rod from pedal to master?

[40ford]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Adjusted push rod from pedal to master?

Yes,it is adjusted out as far as could go on threads.

[Kurt in NJ]

It has to be adjusted so there is some free play, a little bit of pedal movement before the master cylinder piston moves.

[KiWinUS]

Did you adjust the eccentrics on bottom off backing plate. Must have play in pushrod to piston in master cylinder with foot off brake pedal as stated. Eccentric adjustment super critical. And super easy

[40ford]

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Originally Posted by KiWinUS

Did you adjust the eccentrics on bottom off backing plate. Must have play in pushrod to piston in master cylinder with foot off brake pedal as stated. Eccentric adjustment super critical. And super easy

When you say play,should I feel some play in adjustment rod with pedal all the way up?Your question on eccentric adjustment not sure,taking for granted old ford mechanic knew what he was doing??Worked on it all day yesterday and got no full pedal!

[john in illinois]

Have you checked drum diameter. worn drums can cause pedal travel problems.

John

[TJ]

Should have 1/4"to 1/2" of free play on the pedal. You may still have some air in the lines.

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by 40ford

When you say play,should I feel some play in adjustment rod with pedal all the way up?Your question on eccentric adjustment not sure,taking for granted old ford mechanic knew what he was doing??Worked on it all day yesterday and got no full pedal!

Also if your drums were turned were the shoes “arced” to match? All the things I have stated are very important to get a good pedal and great stopping brakes.
Seems like he worked on it a long time to still not have a pedal. These brakes are simple & work great but the basics must be correct.

[40ford]

Originally Posted by john in illinois

Have you checked drum diameter. worn drums can cause pedal travel problems.

John

I don't understand,if the shoes are adjusted out to the drums snug how could there still be pedal travel problems?

[KiWinUS]

Originally Posted by 40ford

I don't understand,if the shoes are adjusted out to the drums snug how could there still be pedal travel problems?

As I stated earlier the shoe arc must match drum arc. If drums have been turned the the shoes no longer match drums this greatly effect’s pedal travel and lack of a firm pedal. The shoe adjuster just pushes the closest point of shoe to drum. The rest of shoe can be a long way off drum if eccentrics are not adjusted correctly. The eccentrics center the shoe in the drums. These are both so important that they are correct for a good pedal and stopping power.

[40ford]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

As I stated earlier the shoe arc must match drum arc. If drums have been turned the the shoes no longer match drums this greatly effect’s pedal travel and lack of a firm pedal. The shoe adjuster just pushes the closest point of shoe to drum. The rest of shoe can be a long way off drum if eccentrics are not adjusted correctly. The eccentrics center the shoe in the drums. These are both so important that they are correct for a good pedal and stopping power.

I sent you a PM.

[40ford]

This 40 brake issue is a nightmare!I have done some checking and found out shoes may not fit the drums,my drums may be worn out of limits,new drums are no good,new linings are to hard and wear out drums and I have no one in my area that has the slightest idea about the brakes on this car!Sorry I am just confused!Oh and I forgot to mention all the parts are NOT made in the USA,so good luck on quality stuff! Of coarse I know it is like this with most of parts now!

[KiWinUS]

G’day mate. Did not get your PM. I can possibly help. I’m also close. I believe you know where I live. 6 more days at RFK then working out of my shop. Do have a lot of work already booked. Cheers I can also re-arc shoes.
Tony

[40ford]

Thanks Tony,are you just still off of 485?What do I need to do to set up a time to leave you my car? Thanks,Russell