Hydrolic Brake problems
 

1929 Fodor hydrolic brake system installed in 2000. I have owned it for 10 years & the master cylinder went out. Replaxed with a new replacement (same as the original).
All went fine for about a month & the wheels started to lock up. Bled the brakes and backed off on the shoe adjustment. Front wheels spin free.
The rear wheels are locked & have not been able to free them.
Does anyone that is knowlegable on hydrolic brakes as to what my problem can be.
I can be contacted @ 334/799-5442 or [email protected]. It would be greatly appreciated to hear about any solution.
Thnks Ford Barn.
Charles Andrews

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

Verify that the pedal is returning all the way. To get them free you can loosen the line, but that wont figure it out for you, just make it so you can move the car.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

Do as 81/1Camaro says, but that's probably not the problem. All brake fluids, EXCEPT DOT5 attract moisture and rust the cylinders. You may have to replace or rebuild all of the cylinders, then drain the M/CYL and use DOT5 fluid. The two fluids won't mix, but are compatible with each other, get as much of the old fluid out. Good luck!

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

If there is no pressure in the brake system when at rest the rear wheel cylinders are probably frozen. The pistons in cylinders get rusted up and full of crap brake fluid, stepping on the brake jacks out the pistons and they don't retract. The hydraulic flex hoses can also swell up inside and keep brakes from retracting. You need to use that Dot 5 fluid that Jim suggested.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

You can try loosening the lines at the wheel cylinders at the rear wheels or loosening the bleed screws. But if the cylinders are rusty and not retracting then I don't have any suggestions except to cut the drums off and start over. Maybe take a torch to the wheel cylinders while the lines are off, but be careful of starting a fire. Have a good fire extinguisher handy.

Or, and this just may work, back off the adjustment screws all the way. If you can get the drums off this way then you can start the detective work to see what the problem is.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

I would try disconnecting the brake lines at the cylinders and try sucking the pistons back with a vacuum brake bleeder. Keep the bleeder closed or plug the inlet depending on where you hook up the vacuum.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

And why many resort to a "brake cylinder hone."

Very popular in the era before disk brakes.

Um. Did you keep the parts from the mechanical brakes? A reversion with cast iron drums is probably the BEST braking solution you can afford to the Model A.

Not sure where you sourced parts for your hydraulic brakes but the later Ford Hydraulics were aimed at a car about 2x the weight and are not really "sized well" for the Model A. Overly large brakes make for common use of "brake feathering" which tend to "set" the brakes in one position - and make for difficulty of return and possibility of "sticking."

Still, there are those who use and prefer the hydraulic setup, but unlike modern cars they are not without care or adjustment.

But always keep in mind your limitation in stopping is NOT the brake system - once you get past the issue of Model A "brake fade" and install cast iron drums on the mechanical system. The limitation is the square inches of rubber on the road.

Ford himself late in the 31A model year went cast iron drums for the Model A. Originals now much sought after in the Model A community. Mel Gross fills in the gap today.

Joe K

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

The sucking solution discussed in Post #6 sounds like a good thing to try.

Gently heating the drums may expand them enough to get them off.

By the way, my original mechanical brakes leave black skid marks if I jump on the brake pedal.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

Hello, I would plan on going through the complete brake system.Previous experience on older cars if one brake cylinder is rusted chances are the rest may be too , also the rubber lines rot just from age . Hopefully you can find out what the parts were originally from to source replacement parts. With hydraulic systems it’s not to unusual for them to rust up from sitting, had this happen a few times on collector type cars . Be on the safe side and carefully go through the brake system , it’s the last thing you want to fail on you.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

Thanks for all the replys.
I had been driving the car after installing the new master cylinder. The system can from Dennis Cling in Arizona in year 2000. It had copper lines going to each wheel also.
I will try some of the suggestions & see what happens.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

Just curious about the "Cling" version of brakes.

They're still available and appear based on the '39-'48 Ford backing plates and wheel cylinders.

Discussed in question and answer at https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/faq.asp

Not to critique. You have a system that works for you and that's plenty good enough for me too.

And it is well you have Cling to refer back to. They have "been there done that" (unlike me in the 1980s who was attempting the same without the advantage.)

Joe K

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

I believe that copper lines are contraindicated for brake lines since they work harden and break. Cling is a reputable source and would not use copper lines. Perhaps they are steel with copper plating for corrosion protection.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

I'd replace the copper lines with steel or stainless steel. Braided if flexibility is needed.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

I got some steel brake line from a parts store that had a copper flash on it. Check carefully before you decide to replace them, they could be steel.

Re: Hydrolic Brake problems
 

I like to think forward as much as possible but it appears it would be a good idea if you changed direction and go original. If the original braking system is properly installed and adjusted it works perfect and doesn't leak.