Re: BRAKES: Easamatic Power Brakes aka Bendix Treadle-Vac

Posted by BH On 2009/5/14 10:49:44

One need only look at the few bulletins Packard issued, via this site's Service Index feature, on the Easamatic brake unit to see how relatively trouble free the BTV was.

Most of the bulletins are what I'd class as "new model info" - typical with any new technology presented to the dealer body. I only saw a few mechanical issues listed and only one (the operating rod pulling out) that could lead to a catastrophic episode, but that was encountered very early in the timeline. Sounds like typical teething pains to me. One could encounter the same or even worse in trying to retrofit modern aftermarket equipment.

I agree that most of what we are seeing is due to sheer old age and exposure to the elements, but also some incompetent rebuilds. I think you'd be able to sell a lot more of the repro (minor) rebuild kits to DYIers with more confidence if only the compensator port valve spring were also included.