Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I have a 1934 Packard 1100 5 passenger sedan that won't return the brake pedal the last bit of travel. It stops before returning just the last 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This means that the brake lights stay on. But I can reach down with my hand and pull the pedal back and it moves the last 1/2 inch easily and the brake lights go out again.

Recently I had a local Packard specialist go through all four brakes, front and rear. He disassembled them, checked that things moved easily, reassembled them, and then he adjusted the clearance between the shoes and the drums so the car brakes evenly and doesn't pull.

Any suggestions on what to do next? I'm taking the car back to him to check the brakes and the brake cables again. He is going to re-grease the pivot points. What else can we check?

Attaching two photos from the underside of the car. One shows (what I believe) is the mounting point for the brake pedal return spring. The other shows where the spring attaches to the brake pedal (I think).

Attach file:

---

  (241.96 KB)


  (352.86 KB)

The view of the brake pedal return spring from the engine compartment of the 1100 sedan. It is stretched and applying force to the brake pedal.

Attach file:

---

  (236.16 KB)

Christopher, I strongly suggest you get yourself a reprint of the 1933-36 Eight and Super Eight Parts List, the illustrations can be very helpful. Here is the illustration from that publication of the linkage on your brake pedal, showing the positioning of the return springs. Ignore the circle around the brake light switch, that was from an older response to a different question.

And you say the linkage pivots were or are to be greased; if these are the pivots on the underseat transverse shaft that connects to the individual wheel cables, it should be lubricated by your Bijur chassis oiler, you will have more resistance in the system with grease than with chassis oil (though that is probably not the cause of your problem).

Attach file:

---

  (225.88 KB)

Thanks for the information, this is most helpful. I will get a copy of the Packard Eight Parts List and start studying it.

Try disconnecting the booster cable. If the pedal returns properly the unit needs to lubricated with oil. A non-detergent vacuum pump oil will do.

Else, check the spacer order on the brake/clutch shaft. If the pedal level is rubbing on the floor board the spacers may be in the wrong position.

U want that last 1/2 free. Tells u the system is not engaged. Factory drawing shows it.

If the Backup light/Brake light is coming on u need an adjustment to the Switch.

On '38-40s, NOT SURE ABOUT '34s, there's a brake pedal adjustment nut at the rear of the master cylinder. There should be 1/4 to 1/2" free travel int he pedal.
If zero free travel, the master cylinder bypass port will be obstructed by the piston cup pushing fluid to the brake light switch and brakes, and the brakes will drag or lock (and lights come on) when the fluid becomes slightly heated. So, you adjust it at the above mentioned brake pedal adjustment nut (officially the master cylinder push rod nut) at the rear of the master.

Joe; no master cylinder, these are mechanical brakes with power booster. Though the "120" was introduced with hydraulic brakes in 1935, the senior Packards retained the Bendix mechanical system thru 1936.