The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1958 1/2 ton Brake issues

I have owned this truck for a couple months, and just started to notice that when I press the brakes, it starts braking at about 2 inches from the floorboard. Something tells me that this is dangerously low, and might be caused by air in the lines. I will attempt to bleed the brakes tomorrow with a helper, but I have some questions. I looked at the online manual, and clearly do not have the recommended tools they require. Is there a good tech article on bleeding the system with using 2 people?

It's actually a pretty easy process. The key is communication between the person pumpng the pedal and the one opening the bleeder. I would suggest having both windows open so that you can hear each other clearly. Ok, on to the actual process. Have the person inside gently pump the pedal until it feels firm. i usualy have the persom pumping go 5 strikes of the pedal, then have them hold pressure. make sure to have them tell you when they are ready by telling you "up" or "ready". Make sure they don't pump the pedal too fast, as this can cavitate the fluid, drawing in even more air. Once the helper lets you know it's pumped up, open the bleeder, while watching the stream for air bubbles. Have the helper say "down" when the pedal reaches the end of the stroke, the close the bleeder. Repeat until there are no air bubble present and the stream is clear. Make sure to check the MC so it doesn't go dry, or you will have to start over. Repeat on the other wheels folowing the pattern shown in the manual, or go from the longest line to the shortest, which would be LR-RR-RF-LF on a '58 due to the brake line layout.
One more thing you should do that will help with the low pedal issue is readjust the brakes. That will bring the pedal up quite a bit.

Thanks! Very helpful advice.

It the pedal isn't spongy feeling, you just need to readjust the brakes. The excess pedal travel is caused by the brakes being way out of adjustment. However, flushing the fluid is a great thing to do anyway.

I agree it probably is a brake adjustment need. With a brake spoon or a flat screwdriver get under each wheel & remove the slot cover, if it has one, in the lower center of the backing plate. Put the adjustment tool in the slot & pull down on it after it engauges the cogs in the adjuster. Keep adjusting till you get a heavy drag on the wheel. Then back the adjustment up till the heavy drag releases & about 2-3 more clicks. When you get these brakes right the pedal will hardly go down at all. you will just apply pressure to it. Myself whenever I get another truck I go though the brakes completely & pack the wheel brgs.

first thing to check - might just be low on fluid

Bill

No spongy feeling. Just may need an adjustment.

There seems to be a square head bolt on top of the master cylinder. Is that the filler hole? What tool can I use the get the square nut head bolt off?

Thanks! It's funny that the only tools I grew up around were metric. Now that I have my first American vehicle I have to buy all SAE stuff.

It is nice having the right tool for the job. Got her done and I have brakes!

I would suggest that an inspection of the brake linings since you recently acquired the truck. Good time to inspect and repack front bearings. Check for leaking seals etc. Things wear out