Re: BRAKES: Easamatic Power Brakes aka Bendix Treadle-Vac--Change or Not??
Posted by Craig Hendrickson On 2009/5/18 15:39:29
chuckltd: Quote:
<p>
Although I do not agree with this "bottom line" to his somewhat lengthy post, I think Chuck has some good points that <b>NO</b> braking system is fool proof, particularly if it is not maintained. This goes along with I am sensing may be the final consensus on the BTV issues that started this thread.
</p>
<p>
To add two examples to what Chuck cited that are not BTV or Packard related, but are in the category of semi-modern collector cars: Gen-2 Pontiac Firebirds (disc/drum or disc/disc) have been known to have cracked proportioning valves (because they are cast iron, I presume). This causes (usually) the rear of the dual master cylinder to leak out the crack and eliminate (usually) the rear drum brake function. One another example of a 1971 Firebird that I know of, the MC had to be replaced because the internal seals were leaking.
</p><p>However, in neither case was there a catastrophic failure. In the first case, the BRAKE light came on being detected by low pressure signal in the Pro-valve and in the second case, the pedal started to bleed down when constantly applied at a dead stop. IMO, one would have to be stupid to not pay attention to either one of these direct indicators</p>
<p>One big positive to an entirely new brake system, like I installed on my 1963 Tempest (new lines, new rear overhaul, converted to disc brakes & dual master and since sold to a happy new owner) is that one could probably expect to wait 50 some-odd years before encounting a systemic brake failure (installer errors ignored).
</p>
<p>
I agree with Eric and others that at the <b>VERY LEAST</b>, install a dual master system. Also, install front disc brakes because <b>NOBODY</b> seems to argue with that upgrade.
</P>
<p>
Craig
</p>
<p>P.S. I am, as Keith pointed out, "moving on" WRT to the BTV, but brakes are <b>SO</b> important that I felt compelled to post again on the general topic. -- just like Keith did.
(snip) Bottom line: Dual system is no safer than a single unless properly maintained, in fact it may be worse.
<p>
Although I do not agree with this "bottom line" to his somewhat lengthy post, I think Chuck has some good points that <b>NO</b> braking system is fool proof, particularly if it is not maintained. This goes along with I am sensing may be the final consensus on the BTV issues that started this thread.
</p>
<p>
To add two examples to what Chuck cited that are not BTV or Packard related, but are in the category of semi-modern collector cars: Gen-2 Pontiac Firebirds (disc/drum or disc/disc) have been known to have cracked proportioning valves (because they are cast iron, I presume). This causes (usually) the rear of the dual master cylinder to leak out the crack and eliminate (usually) the rear drum brake function. One another example of a 1971 Firebird that I know of, the MC had to be replaced because the internal seals were leaking.
</p><p>However, in neither case was there a catastrophic failure. In the first case, the BRAKE light came on being detected by low pressure signal in the Pro-valve and in the second case, the pedal started to bleed down when constantly applied at a dead stop. IMO, one would have to be stupid to not pay attention to either one of these direct indicators</p>
<p>One big positive to an entirely new brake system, like I installed on my 1963 Tempest (new lines, new rear overhaul, converted to disc brakes & dual master and since sold to a happy new owner) is that one could probably expect to wait 50 some-odd years before encounting a systemic brake failure (installer errors ignored).
</p>
<p>
I agree with Eric and others that at the <b>VERY LEAST</b>, install a dual master system. Also, install front disc brakes because <b>NOBODY</b> seems to argue with that upgrade.
</P>
<p>
Craig
</p>
<p>P.S. I am, as Keith pointed out, "moving on" WRT to the BTV, but brakes are <b>SO</b> important that I felt compelled to post again on the general topic. -- just like Keith did.
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