STANDARD HYDRAULIC BRAKES (ALL SERIES)

The standard Hydraulic Brake system remains the same except for the location of the hydraulic master cylinder and the redesigned brake pedal and splash seal.

The hydraulic master cylinder is now mounted on the left side of the frame adjacent to the rear transmission support. From a service standpoint the only change will be in the procedure for checking the fluid level in the master cylinder which is as follows:

  • Move front seat to the rear.
  • Loosen left sill plate screws and fold front floor mat to clear access hole cover in the floor pan and remove cover. See Fig. 21.
    1954 Buick Access to Brake Master Cylinder

    1954 Buick Access to Brake Master Cylinder

  • Remove master cylinder cap and inspect or add fluid as required.
  • Replace cap, cover and floor mat to original position.

A new two piece brake pedal is used on all Series and the body toe-board has been redesigned to eliminate the large cut-out. To install the new two piece brake pedal a very small opening in the toe board is required.

A 3/8″ thick x 2″ O.D. felt washer and a cup type rubber seal are used to completely seal the opening between the brake pedal shaft and the toe-board. The tension of the brake pedal return spring against the brake lever causes the rubber seal to partially collapse against the bottom of the toe-board, there­ by affecting a complete seal when the brakes are fully released.

The brake lever to toe board clearance, adjusted at the master cylinder push rod, should be 15/16″ as shown in Fig. 22.

1954 Buick Brake Pedal Adjustment

1954 Buick Brake Pedal Adjustment

The following chart shows the brake lining width dimensions for all series.

1954 Buick Brake Lining Width Dimensions

1954 Buick Brake Lining Width Dimensions

POWER BRAKE: Power brakes remain basically the same as previously used and the vacuum pump which was introduced in late 1953 production is part of the brake unit assembly. (See BPS 2.353, October 15, 1953)

Modifications have been made to the power brake unit, however, accurate information is not available at this time as to the parts changes. This information will be published in a Buick Product Service Bulletin within the very near future.

The complete power brake unit is interchangeable with the unit for 1953, however, approximately half of the parts are not.