Another brake question..

[ickmann]

Are the FRONT drum brake cylinders on a '75 FJ40 single piston (as in only one end pushes out) or are they double? I am replacing all the front cylinders and the old ones all have seals on each end. The one's I received have seals on both ends and looking at them operate, they push out from both ends. Did I receive the wrong cylinders?

I only have a '71 manual in .pdf to work from and it cleary show single piston cylinders up front.

Thnx.

 

[ickmann]

O.k...so I figured it out. I have the correct wheel cylinders. Part #'s match up. Now I have another issue...bear with me folks, it's been a while since I worked on a brake system. Wheel cylinders installed on the front passenger side. Lost some fluid and the level in the front cup on the master cylinder went all the way down. Bled the new cylinders on the right front wheel. Topped off the master cylinder. Nice firm pedal. Started the vehicle up and no pedal what so ever. Pumped the pedal a few times and took a short test drive. NO PEDAL/NO BRAKES!! Parked it and figured that I must have gotten air into the master cylinder. disconnected the master cylinder lines and bled the air out until I got to good fluid and a nice firm pedal again. Stared her up and, again, no pedal. WTF???? Took her for a test run again. I cannot get any braking action with a single push on the pedal. I have to pump the brakes a quick three - four times before any type of braking action occurs. I'm thinking that I have air somewhere in the system and my next step will be to bleed down the entire system and see where that brings me. Am I headed in the right direction?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thnx.

Ian

 

[bgray]

Ian,

I'm by no means an expert on brakes, though I feel I'm becoming one as I continue to work on my rig and learn from the the folks on this forum. I'd start by making sure you have everything adjusted and bled correctly. There's a wealth of information on this topic, so if you haven't yet checked, do a few searches on the topic and you'll pull up a ton of great information. If you're new to how to search, click "Search this Forum" across the top bar on the right (just below the advertisements and above the Announcements).

I'm happy to share my personal experience, but spend a bit reading through past posts and it may provide what you need -- or at least eliminate variables.

Brian

 

[John McVicker]

I agree with Brian...do a lot of reading. And....

Your symptoms sound to me like you need to further tighten your shoes b/4 your test drive. I always tighten my shoes tight enough to not be able to easily turn the wheels by hand, then back off 3 clicks. And then go for my test drive & start my trial & error.

Good luck, John

 

[Pin_Head]

Sounds like the brake shoes need to be adjusted tighter. If the pedal rises when you pump it, but it is firm and not spongy, then they need adjustment. Spongy pedal means air in the system. It could need both, but try adjusting them first. You tighten the adjusters until the wheel locks and then loosen them 3-4 clicks.

 

[ickmann]

Thnx for the suggestions. I bled the rest of wheels and there was a bit more air in the system. I'll try the adjustment advice and see were that takes me. Stay tuned............

 

[sepr2]

How you bleed makes a difference too. Bleed from the furthest wheel from the master and work towards it.