Hard Braking

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Jun 2, 2006 | 02:20 PM

Vern69

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From: Lost Wages, NV

Hard Braking

I had a situation a while back where I had to jam my brakes really hard. Since then, I can't pump up the pressure at all. Is this a master cylinder issue or is there something else I should be looking for? I still have the original manual drums all the way around. It doen't seem to be leaking, just won't build pressure. I can still stop, but have to watch following distance closely and plan well ahead. In this traffic that's not a good thing.

Jun 2, 2006 | 03:07 PM

bertha66

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Central Oregon

Check the ajustment on the brakes. Is it pulling ot one side or the other? I would pull the drums and make sure everything is in place.

Jun 2, 2006 | 06:09 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

It's probably the master cylinder. I would replace it, now, if not sooner. I've had similar issues, after a couple really hard stops I couldn't get the pedal up, but it would still stop. Then, without any warning, no more brakes at all.

Jun 3, 2006 | 04:33 AM

Vern69

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From: Lost Wages, NV

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. It doesn't pull or anything--just lousy stopping power. I have to use the truck to move at the end of June so I'm going to have to do something about it now. Thanks for the replies!

I'm heading to NAPA tomorrow to pick up a cancelling cam for the turn signal so I'll probably see what they want for a new master cylinder. Anyone buy one from them before? I've always had good results with them in the past, but this is brakes and I want to be sure I'm getting good quality.

Jun 3, 2006 | 11:56 AM

"Beemer Nut"

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From: "Islander"

Becareful with Napa these days, in the past they had quality USA made replacement parts, now I see some are made out of the USA.
Check the MC, box it comes in and ask where it is made.
.....=o&o>.....

Jun 3, 2006 | 05:36 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

If you have a Parts Plus store around, go to them. They are a bit more expensive, but always knowledgable people and good parts.

Jun 3, 2006 | 06:36 PM

"Beemer Nut"

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From: "Islander"

Parts Plus, I don't recall that one here in California.
Seems CarQuest by many is at the bottom of the barrel far as quality replacement parts go unless it's a OEM part or a major brand name. I saw a 71 F250 rear brake drum from them, stamped on the drum "made in India".
.....=o&o>.....