Progress Report:"5ktq Brakes binding, MC?"

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

I read all your replies, and most people said "just replace the MC and get
on with your life."  So, naturally, I did something else.  Out of
curiosity, I tried shortening the rod between the brake pedal lever and the
brake servo, as suggested by Bernard Litteau, of Woodville, WA.

I decided to try this remedy because the brake pedal seemed just a little
too firm, and it engaged as soon as there was any pressure on the pedal. I
did try to accurately measure the distance between the clevis and the
servo, to achieve the specified 9.800 inches, but because I was upside
down, at an angle, and can't see very well anyhow, I decided that accuracy
to the 3d decimal place was impossible anyhow, and a trial "shortening" was
a reasonable alternative to dropping in a new MC. The shortening was quick
and easy....5 minutes under the dash. I could always replace the mc later,
if necessary.

OK, I shortened the rod 2 turns, and tested the pedal again. Seemed a
little less firm, with maybe a little more travel before engaging. Really
hard to tell.  Drove the car around town about 20 minutes and couldn't
notice any brake binding, but the dash temp gauge showed full operating
temperature. Parked it and opened the hood to touch the MC and found it
painfully hot. I didn't want to keep my hand on it more than a few seconds.
Apparently, this is its normal operating condition.  Just to be sure it was
VERY hot, I plugged in a paint stripper heat gun, which I used to
significantly warm the MC beyond it's already painfully hot temperature.
Didn't want to cook any rubber items inside, so I only heated it for about
4-5 minutes.

I tried driving the car while the MC was super-hot, and the extra heating
did nothing to increase the pressure in the brake circuits. The brakes
didn't bind like they did in the stop-and-go turnpike accident traffic that
I encountered last week.

I'll test this remedy for a week, and see if the binding condition returns.
If it does, I'll replace the MC and see if that solves the problem.  And
I'll tell everybody about it.

Thanks again to all who responded to my original post. The replies were
very helpful.

Doyt Echelberger
87 5ktq in Ohio  USA