Just did front break replacement on my 67. This means new shoes, resurfaced drums, new springs, new wheel cylinders, new adjusting bolts. I stuck my finger to in to the bottom of the master cylinder to find a layer gunk on the bottom. I then drained the M/S most of the way so I could wipe away the grunge and refilled with new fluid. I bled both front wheels until all air was gone and fluid coming from the bleeders was new. Now my breaks are stopping ok, but it seems to take a bit of effort at the pedal and it still feels a little squishy. Do I just need to bleed some more? Do I need to bleed the rear also? Could i have messed up the vacuum for power assist?

how tight did you adjust your brakes?if there too loose they will feel spongy.if you have a split master you dont have to bleed the rears,but it never hurts it only takes a few minutes.also check the adjutment of the rears.remember just a little drag on the drums not alot.i dont think your booster is bad.remove the check valve after the engine is shut off and listen for vaccume that should be stored,if it doesnt have that then the diafram is bad or the check valve,to check the valve just remove it from the booster while the engine is running and put your finger on it you should feel vaccume there.

Brake shops used to "arc" grind the shoe linings to match the radius of the drum. I don't know if they still do it, grinding linings is a health hazard these days.

If your drums have been turned there is more of a chance the linings do not have the exact radius they need to seat fully on the drums. They will have to wear to match it.

Until they wear enough to match, applying the brakes will only cause contact in a small area of the shoe. Adding more foot pressure can flex the shoe, making the pedal feel funny.

I'm not saying this is your problem but it could be. Look at your linings and see how large the contact area is.
David

[ 09-16-2003, 03:15 PM: Message edited by: davidpozzi ]

I will check the adjustment and go ahead and bleed all 4 corners this evening. Any tips on what order I should bleed? I was thinking Rear Passenger to Front Driver to Rear Driver to Front Passenger.