Brake pedal problem
 

I brouse the site everyday, but this is my first post. I am having a problem with the brake pedal on my 55 returning very slowly back to the top. Sometimes you have to reach with your hand to pull it up the last inch or two. I have a 78 Mustang booster mounted under the floorboard, with a 79 F-250 truck master cylinder, along with a stock 78 T-Bird proportioning vavle, Volarie disc on front, and drums on the rear, and I am using the stock 55 brake pedal and arm. Nothing seems to be in a bind.

I have bench bleed the M/C, and also each wheel, does my problem sound like I still have air in the lines, or a bad M/C, or a problem with the proportioning valve, or something else? Has anyone experienced this problem with your truck?

Charlie Powell

Hi Charlie,
If I understand your problem is only the return of the pedal, I'd check the pedal return spring. It might need replaced.

As long as your brakes are working properly. I used to have a similar problem on a 77 I had. Spring had gotten weak - replaced it and problem went away.

bushing worn?
 

The '57-60 series uses a plastic bushing on the spindle. Could be that it is worn, causing the pedal to bind, even if the spring has plenty of uummmph.

Hey Fellas, I am doing the 7 inch booster under the floor and sticking with the stock pedal on my 53.I was wondering what to use for my connection between the two.Do you guys know where they sell something good and strong for this.I was thinking like an adjustable turn buckle or something????/

I used two Heim Joints, one connected to the brake pedal arm, and the other connected to the end of the push rod from the power booster. I connected the two joints together with a rod threaded on each end. One end was right handed threads, and the other end was left handed threads.

Heim Joints ....Hum ya learn something everyday.I was thinking my turnbuckle was a little cheesey for brakes ya know.Where can I find these at??

I have had a similar problem.
Did the original set up have return spring?

( I have the Volare/Mustnag II/Aerostar Proportionaling Valve setup)

Gerry McLellan

You can purchase the Heim Joints at some of the bearing supply companies. As for the return spring, the stock pedal had a return spring on it.

Charlie Powell

Thanks Chaarlie, I was getting lazy there. After my post I went out the the garage and pulled out my 1953-5 Shop Manual and although the picture is not very big ort informative, it did shoe the return spring!
Unfortunately, it does show where it's fastened on the chassis.
Can anyone enlighten me?

Gerry