Guest Oldengineer Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 I notice that the Olds I just acquired requires a lot more pedal pressure to stop the car than my 48 Chevy did. Is this normal? Regards:Oldengineer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Well it is a heavier car. Does it have power brakes? How much harder are they? If you really have to stand on them but they pull the car up straight I would check the power brake booster if there is one. Starting in the late 80s asbestos was banned from brake linings so newer linings tend to be less effective, that could be part of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Are the brakes in good adjustment? Is there diff. oil on the rear brake shoes? Have you changed the brake fluid yet? Is the pedal hard or spongy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Oldengineer Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Car doesn't have power brakes, and, you really have to stand on the brakes to get her to stop. Pedal is good and hard. I suspect hard lining is the problem. Regards:Oldengineer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 They weren't that hard to stop new. Not much harder than a Chev, if any. You could inspect the brakes and see they are working correctly. I don't know if softer linings are available. You might consider adding a remote booster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 There's lot of info on this on the Buick forum. In a nut shell you are most likely correct, the linings are too hard, meaning an incorrect coefficient of friction. It took me an awful long time and lots of aggravation before I got my 57 Buick to stop correctly. Search on the Buick forum and try to bring up "Old tank". He has a lot to say on this...........Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PONTIAC1953 Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 the brake shoes you have now, may be glazed, and need to be dressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterc9 Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 One or more of your wheel cylinders could have a stuck piston or two. This is common in seldom driven collector cars. This would give a high hard pedal with poor stopping power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jeff k Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Even with self adjusters, I still have to go under and crank the star wheel a few clicks twice a year to keep the brakes up to par on my 64 Bonneville... Loose brakes will take a lot out of the self energizing effect of drum brakes.. I tighten until I hear a light but steady scraping sound as the wheel spins.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now