Posted by Keith in Washington on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 10:59AM :
In Reply to: Brakes on 1948 PW posted by Brian from San Mateo on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 10:18AM :
There is two things that can cause what you are describing. First air in the lines as your dad suggests. Second the brake shoes may need adjusting as they are not self adjusting like modern brakes. Here is what I would suggest that you do. Frist take off each brake drum and inspect the shoes and for leaks in the wheel cylinders. Adjust each set of brakes after you put the drum back on. Check the steel brake lines for rust or rust pitting and check all joints for possible leaks. Replace any bad lines. I would also check the master cylinder for any leaks out the back end and rebuild if necessary (rebuild kit is NAPA part # 1) Then I would bleed the entire system and get all the old fluid out and any air that may be there. Once you have bled the system and you have a solid peddle test drive the truck and see if it pulls one way or another and adjust the brakes to correct this.
Remember to keep all parts of this brake system in top order. If one part fails it will result in total brake loss as this truck does not have a dual master cylinder. So if you loose a brake line you lost everything. Be sure to keep your emergency brake in working order.