Quote:
DavidM wrote:
I have been following the many discussions about the Bendix Treadle Vac brake booster . I have no direct interest as my Packards pre-date any form of brake boost, however, I cannot understand how any manufacturer of a brake boost system could offer a unit where its failure, for whatever reason, causes brake failure. As much as I am obsessive about keeping them authentic I think this is an issue where there is a strong case for a replacement booster with a unit where loss of boost leads to no more than the need for a heavier pedal force.
Just my 2 cents worth - with apologies for adding to the controversy.
Where I am confused on this subject is a statement like such.
"I cannot understand how any manufacturer of a brake boost system could offer a unit where its failure, for whatever reason, causes brake failure."
Even though your master cylinder system pre dates the BTV it can still experience a similar failure as could any make or model of vehicle pre dating the advent of the tandem master cylinder (starting in use around 1965???) Whether it be a power unit or manual set up you had one line out and a single check valve in place. If a valve or a seal were to fair then a loss of brakes would happen regardless of what type of master cylinder you have. What Fred is try to make clear is that it is not the fault of the units design that is the main cause of failure but the lack of maintenance and age. All items over time wear and require rebuilding. If the BTV was such a dangerous unit then why are there no TSB from the beginning? Or production halted? They were used in more than just Packards I oversee many other forums for Kanter such as Olds, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy and Pontiac many of which used the BTV and none of these forums have had such postings to this extent. Many of the post normally ended with a statement stating the key to a proper working BTV is cleaning and maintenance.
Thanks
James
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