I have had my 65 Skylark for almost a week now and am needing some advice. It has 4 wheel drum power brakes with a single master cylinder. The pedal travels a long way before I feel it working. How do I test the brake booster to see if it is working. I plan on tearing down the drums this weekend to check the shoes. Does anyone have any advice on getting the most with the system I have?
I'd think you'd feel the brakes grab sooner of the thing was working. You'll just stop slower with drums. You might also want to check the master cylinder. I'm assuming you've already checked the brake fluid levels, and pulled off the drum to make sure the shoes still have some pad on them. Otherwise, test like you would with front disc power brakes. With the motor off, pump the brakes then hold the pedal down (should be firm by now), then start the engine and see if the pedal sinks. You could also consider a swap to front discs. Its easy, and you can do it with parts from the junkyard for less money than a kit.
what you are describing sounds like a brake adjustment problem. Your brakes need to be inspected and adjusted properly. One or more of your automatic adjusters are probably not working properly.
Check your brake pad thickness. If that's good than bleed your brakes starting with the farthest wheel to the closest. When your doing this make sure your master cylinder doesn't run dry or you'll be starting over. If this doesn't help check the adjustment on your brake shoe adjusters. Or....starwheels. Also check for leaky wheel cylinders. Sounds like you need to bleed your brakes though. Good luck.....John.
