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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Brake Whistle

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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 05:29 PM
  #1  
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Brake Whistle

When I depress the pedal, most noticeably at a stop while idling, I hear a very audible whistle (kind of wolf-whistle pitched) that comes and goes with added or removed pressure on the pedal, and sounds like it is coming from the engine bay. This doesn't happen until after driving for a good 15-20 minutes.

I have power brakes, but they appear to not be a stock setup:



I can't see or feel any leaks, and will check tonight with someone else depressing the pedal... but was wondering if anyone has had/heard of similar issues. Thanks in advance for any input.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 05:49 PM
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sounds like you possibly have a vacuum leak in the line to the brake booster, the rubber grommet at the booster or inside the booster itself. you should be able to hunt it down if you warm it up and get your buddy to press the brake pedal while you look for it!
 
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Old Mar 16, 2010 | 10:25 PM
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Thanks... that's where I'm leaning... just hoping it isn't the diaphragm...
 
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 05:16 AM
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What the hello is under your hood???????

Air movement is what whistles, gotta be vacuum related.




John
 
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 08:16 AM
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looks like ford

351 302 Aussie build are you talking about brake or gas pedal if gas my be lose fan belt for air con
 
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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thanks all. seems to have been the hose... replaced it and haven't been able to reproduce the noise... i love $4 fixes!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by sammycooks
thanks all. seems to have been the hose... replaced it and haven't been able to reproduce the noise... i love $4 fixes!

Glad to see someone had good luck!

Mitch
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 04:26 AM
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I still would like to know what kind of brake system you have with the booster on the fender apron.





John
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 04:57 AM
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Originally Posted by jowilker
I still would like to know what kind of brake system you have with the booster on the fender apron.John
A remote mounted booster like this is known as a Hydro-Vac.

These were installed in 1955/57 Thunderbird's because there wasn't enough space on the firewall to mount the usual booster/master cylinder combo.

F500 and larger trucks used Hydro-Vac's. They were usually mounted under the truck on the frame rail.

All 1953/66 Studebaker cars/pickups used a Hydro-Vac.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 05:11 AM
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Hydro-Vac, eh? Learn something new every day... I'll look today and see if there are any numbers / markings on it...
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 05:25 AM
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I once owned a '61 GMC Carryall that somebody had swapped a 390/FMX into. They also added the Hydro-vac to it. Those things are a PITA when the check valve fails.
Locked the brakes down, 20 miles from home, in the rain, 6 month old twins strapped into the back seat. Ruined the brake drums and shoes before I got her home.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by NumberDummy
A remote mounted booster like this is known as a Hydro-Vac.

These were installed in 1955/57 Thunderbird's because there wasn't enough space on the firewall to mount the usual booster/master cylinder combo.

F500 and larger trucks used Hydro-Vac's. They were usually mounted under the truck on the frame rail.

All 1953/66 Studebaker cars/pickups used a Hydro-Vac.
Thanks Bill.



John
 
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 06:22 AM
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Below is quoted from Bill(numberdummy) on 9/2009

Ford offered factory or dealer installed power (drum) brakes on 1965/66 F100/250 2WD's.

Page 28 in the 1966 Car/Truck Accessory Brochure sez:

"The answer to increased braking power, responsive pedal action with real brake "feel" extra power for faster, surer straight line stops: C6TZ-2A091-C $47.00.

However, the power booster is mounted in the usual spot...on the firewall.

Autoparts stores, brake shops offered a "universal" power brake kit. The power booster is a Hydro-Vac.

A Hydro-Vac (NOT a Hydro-Boost) is a remote type of power brake booster, basically it can be mounted anywhere.

For one example, 1955/57 T-Birds had these mounted on the left fender apron, because there was no room for a conventional booster to be firewall mounted.

If the OP's truck has a frame mounted booster, it's a Hydro-Vac.

btw: When you get your 1964/72 truck parts catalog look here: Illustrations ~ Section 23 ~ Page 8. The entire setup is shown.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 01:48 PM
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John, if you're still curious...

I looked over the unit for a serial number, and came up short... but "MIDLAND" is cast onto the forward part of the unit.
 
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Old Mar 19, 2010 | 04:19 PM
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John, if you're still curious...

Curious because I hadn't seen one before. I shouldn't need further info. I have a 76 setup in my truck presently.

thanks




John
 
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