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| | | | Joined: Jul 2022 Posts: 1 Moderated | | Moderated Joined: Jul 2022 Posts: 1 | Hello
My name is John, I have a 1951 3100 pickup truck.it is mostly stock. I replaced everything related to the brakes. Master cylinder, lines,hoses, etc,.. my problem is sometimes the brake pedal gets extremely hard to push and the brakes are dragging. I thought maybe I had filled the fluid to high so I took some out. Seemed to be better, then it happened again. ( it seems to only happen when my wife drives, it is her truck, I’m sure that has nothing to do with the problem). After it sits for a couple of hours it goes back to being ok. Seems like fluid builds up psi and is not returning back to MC. Any thoughts? I’m new to this forum, I’m glad to be here!
Thanks John
Jjs
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,028 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,028 | John, Are you sure it isn't like the woman who complained about terrible fuel mileage, and after much searching, the mechanic rode with her to discover she pulled out the choke and hung her purse on it?  (Sorry I couldn't resist.) Have you looked at the wheel cylinders and shoes? Maybe something is hanging up there, or there's oil contamination on the linings.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,472 AD Addict & Tinkerer | | AD Addict & Tinkerer Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,472 | Welcome to the ‘bolt! I have a ‘52 3100 with manual brakes and compared to today’s trucks, the pedal is hard. Mine doesn’t change though indicating something is wrong.
Just so you know, you will get more responses if you post in the Driveline Forum.
Good luck and see you around the Garage!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc BrakesProject JournalsStovebolt Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,038 | Welcome John, I would check your toeboard clearance; http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0508.htmIf this is not adjusted correctly, the master cylinder may not be returning to the "resting position" which allows the system pressure to return to zero. That will result in a hard pedal and dragging brakes. I am certain it is not because of your wife and how she drives it! Good luck, Kent | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 Moderator - The Electrical Bay | | Moderator - The Electrical Bay Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,440 | Welcome to the 'bolt.. i'm moving this to the Driveline forum where you will get the attention you need.
Another quality post.
Real Trucks Rattle
HELP! The Paranoids are after me!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | Welcome  I agree with Kent! The MC piston is not returning all the way keeping pressure in the lines...make the adjustments per the manual...there should be a little pedal movement (free play) before you feel it moving the MC piston. Mike B 
Last edited by Mike B; 07/27/2022 2:09 AM. Reason: add welcome
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 293 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 293 | Welcome John, I would check your toeboard clearance; http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0508.htmIf this is not adjusted correctly, the master cylinder may not be returning to the "resting position" which allows the system pressure to return to zero. That will result in a hard pedal and dragging brakes. I am certain it is not because of your wife and how she drives it! Good luck, Kent This is exactly what the problem was that I had with mine, very simple adjustment and I've had NO brake drag issues! Doyle | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Welcome to Stovebolt. Consider yourself at home! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 56 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 56 | thankyou everyone for your help i adjusted master and now so far i dont have brake fliud in boot as well.might be two issues. so i may take new master off and check piston cups | | |
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