What's the piece with the bleeder valve on top, and can it cause the brake pedal to not return periodically? Can I eliminate it? All new brakes, spring kits, and the pads on the backing plates that contact the shoes are all polished and greased with anti seize. So this thread's only about the part in question. THX
Groucho I don't know what it is but I'll bet it is to eliminate air in the system. Brake peddle not returning on a standard drum brake system could be caused by broken springs or rusty brakes that are dragging on the backing plate.
All new brakes, spring kits, and the pads on the backing plates that contact the shoes are all polished and greased with anti seize
Back off on your picture - I'd like to see what that thing is between the junction block and the master cylinder outlet. I've never seen something like that before on a '61-'63 T-bird. I suspect it was added to assist in purging air from the system as previously noted. You may also be dealing with a power brake booster that needs rebuilding. Search Vintage Thunderbird Club International's Forums at www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net on power brake boosters of this vintage as there has been discussion on topics like this over the past decade-plus.
WOW! What a real PITA trying to join that forum. By the time my mistakes were fixed they said I passed my allowed 3 tries
Good to know! Someone else said it may have been an early attempt by the aftermarket for anti lock brakes. I think I'll get rid of it tomorrow. THX
What about rod adjustment on the brake pedal? Had that happen with my 61. Brakes were fine until about 2 miles and then after braking they would hang up...brake lights stayed on...system would cool down, lights would go off, and I drove it home...adjusted to mc push rod and cured it..all new brake replacement from master out...thought the rod would be fine going stock mc to replacement stick mc
It did it with both the old and new M/C. If removing that piece doesn't fix it, it has to be the booster. I removed that piece but got too busy to drive it today.
My T Bird's booster was bad when I got the car. Sent it off to Booster Dewey in Portland for a rebuild, and it was good as new. boosterdeweyexchange.com
That device was commonly called a 'Safety Braker' its purpose - if installed in the rear brake line as it typically would be - is to delay application of the rear brakes to make it harder to lock them up (since Bendix self-servoing drums lock up too easy, and most old Detroit iron had too much rear brake bias anyway.) I'm at a loss to see how it could prevent the pedal from returning, that's more likely a booster issue as others have noted.
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