Help with Brake Issue!

I have a '48 Ford F1 with drums all the way around. Lost my brakes a couple of weeks ago, so figured the master cylinder had failed. I replaced the MC with a dual chamber with remote reservoir, put residual valves in line, rebuilt both front wheel cylinders, put in all new springs and shoes, adjusted the brakes, bled them more times then I can count with no air coming through...

YET STILL... the pedal is soft on first press. Second press, it's firm as can be and gets firmer with each pump without sinking to the floor. Once I let off, the cycle starts again.

I'm a novice wrencher and did all the work myself, and really don't want to have someone rescue me at the end. What else can I check or try??

Help!!

 

First thought not adjusted right/tight enough. Second thought ,jack one end at a time up from the frame so that that axle is below M/C level and re-bleed.

 

Was the new dual master bench bled?

 

i had a similar problem not too long back. bled brakes forever with same results, finally readjusted front drums and everything worked as it should. keeping the drums adjusted is a must on 4 wheel drum setups

 

I've gone through this a few times. Like it has been said before, make sure you shoes are adjusted out with some drag on the wheel. I usually drive around the neighborhood, come back and readjust the shoes again. Has worked every time for me.


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New master was bench bled, adjusted the brakes yesterday after I rebuilt the wheel cylinders and put in the new springs. Took them to just a bit of drag, then backed them off. Perhaps I don't have enough drag? My book said to take it to drag, and back off one.

 

Maybe it's just my way to adjust brakes; but I usually adjust them until they're tight
and won't turn, then back them off to a slight drag. I feel this way gets everything seated and in place.

 

Great suggestion, Rich. I'm going to try that right now.

 

Yes..And while they are tight loosen the brake shoe pin [nut is on the outside above the wheel cylinder] and tap lightly and it will find its position, tighten nut..

 

Rich, looks like you might be the hero of the day!! Just tightened to a stop, checked the pedal, and the softness is cured! Now to find the sweet spot. Seb, I'll check that right now. You guys are the best!!

 

Once again, the people of the H.A.M.B. solved my problem! Rich and Seb, I owe ya big time. The truck now brakes like a DREAM!! If you're ever in SoCal, I owe ya dinner!

 

The details of my big brake job on our club website, with a special thanks.
http://gasolinegirls.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/yikes-no-brakes/