Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I recently purchased a 1955 Packard. I am having problems with the brakes not working. Seems to be losing vaccuum. I looked at the manual and assume that the brakes are the easamatics which according to the book use hydraulics and vaccuum to operate the system. I'll be honest I don't have a clue when it comes to cars but I enjoy the older cars and I will learn hopefully with the help from the experts on this site.

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G'day Eric,

Welcome to a great Site with plenty of friendly and knowledgeable Packard people willing to share their experience and expertise.

And could you add your '55 to the Owner Registry together with a pic, any known history and how you came to acquire it please?

Again -

Eric,
First welcome to the site. Please take time to enter your new find into the "Owner Registry" on this site. Back to your brakes, I bought my first Packard last year, a 1956, and started out with a brake problem which was hard brake pedal with little stopping power. I replaced everything from hard and soft lines, wheel cylinders and shoes but had no improvements until I had the booster system rebuilt by a guy in Florida, Ed Strain. He is listed in Hemmings Motor News. Now it is a real joy driving my new Packard knowing it will stop.
Bill

There are many guys out there that rebuild TreadleVacs, my experience is that Ed Strain is consistently the best.

I would also suggest getting the Easamatic rebuilt --just on principle-- be the first step. If the brake actually is losing vacuum though, assuming the hoses and reserve canister in good condition, there is a check valve at the base of the carburetor in the long fitting where the vacuum hose attaches. The internal valve retainer has been seen to rust or other issues sometimes cause it to not seal completely. This would result in your feeling of no vacuum on occasion.

Welcome to the forum..one last question for me to ask..

Thanks for the welcome. I'm new to the site and I will be trying to get pictures for the registry.

I want to say thank you to HH56, Home away from home, and Rowdy. I'm amazed at the response. I may even turn into a mechanic with help like this. Thanks again guys. Once I get the brakes fixed I plan on working to get the body in mint condition. I was reading some forums on mixing oil, marvel, and road diesel. Is that something I should be considering being I just bought a car with 39,000 miles and I'm not sure what it has been through?