1957 BUICK BRAKE TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS SECTION 9-B

9-5 INSPECTING AND TESTING 1957 BUICK BRAKES

Inspecting 1957 Buick Brakes

At reasonably frequent intervals the brakes should be inspected for pedal reserve, which is the clearance between the pedal pad and the toeboard when the brake pedal is firmly depressed while brakes are cold.

For average driving, pedal reserve with cold brakes should be not less than 2″ with regular (foot powered) brakes, or 1″ with power brakes. For high speed driving the pedal reserve should not be less than 3″ with regular brakes or 1/2″ with power brakes. Heat generated by high speed stops will expand brake drums and increase shoe clearance, thereby permitting pedal pad to go closer to toeboard when brakes are hot. Pedal reserve is increased by adjusting brake shoes (par. 9-8).

Brakes should be promptly adjusted or otherwise corrected whenever the action becomes unduly severe, erratic, or uneven. Brake shoe linings should not be permitted to wear down until rivets contact drums because drums will be scored. As car mileage approaches the point where relining may be required it is advisable to remove one or more drums for inspection of lining in order to avoid the possibility of damaging brake drums.

Testing Brakes

Overall 1957 Buick brake performance cannot be properly tested with the wheels jacked up because this procedure does not test the self-energizing servo action of the 1957 Buick brake shoes and the effect of car weight distribution on deceleration.

1957 Buick brakes should be tested on dry, clean reasonably smooth and level roadway. A true test of brake performance cannot be made if roadway is wet or greasy, or is covered with loose dirt so that all tires do not grip road equally. A true test cannot be made if roadway is crowned so as to throw weight of car toward wheels on one side, or is so rough that wheels tend to bounce.

Test 1957 Buick brakes at different car speeds with both light and heavy pedal pressure; however, avoid locking the wheels and sliding the tires on roadway. Locked wheels and sliding tires do not indicate brake efficiency since heavily braked but turning wheels will stop the car in less distance than locked wheels. The friction between a sliding tire and the road is friction of motion at the point of contact while the friction between a turning tire and the road is friction of rest at the point of contact. Friction of rest is greater than friction of motion, hence, more tire-to-road friction is present with a heavily braked turning tire than with a sliding tire.

External Conditions That Affect Brake Performance

In addition to roadway conditions mentioned above (subpar. b) the following external conditions may affect brake performance and should be corrected before work is done on the 1957 Buick brake mechanism.

  1. Tires having unequal contact and grip on road will cause unequal braking. Tires must be equally inflated and non-skid tread pattern of right and left tires must be approximately equal. Right and left tires must have approximately the same diameter.
  2. Car Loading. When car has abnormally unequal loading, the most heavily loaded wheels require more braking power than others. A heavily loaded car requires more braking effort.
  3. Front Wheel Bearings. A loose front wheel bearing permits the drum to tilt and have spotty contact with 1957 Buick brake shoe linings, causing erratic brake action.
  4. Front End Alignment. Misalignment of the front end, particularly in regard to limits on camber and king pin inclination, will cause brake action to appear unequal between sides.
  5. Shock Absorbers. Faulty shock absorbers that permit bouncing of car on quick stops may give the erroneous impression that 1957 Buick brakes are too severe.

 

9-6 1957 BUICK BRAKE TROUBLE INDICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS

1957 Buick Brake Pedal Travel Excessive, or Pedal Goes to Toeboard

  • Excessive 1957 Buick Brake Shoe Clearance. Excessive clearance is indicated if a good brake is obtained after pumping brake pedal several times. Condition may be caused by wear of brake linings or by a loose initial adjustment of shoes. Adjust brakes (par. 9-8).
  • Fluid Reservoir Empty. If fluid reservoir is empty, a good brake cannot be obtained by pumping 1957 Buick brake pedal. Fill reservoir (par. 9-7) and check for springy pedal action (subpar. b, below).
  • Air in Hydraulic System. Air in hydraulic system will cause a springy action of 1957 Buick brake pedal. If volume of air is large, the pedal will go to toeboard under normal pressure. See subparagraph b below for causes of air in hydraulic system. Bleed hydraulic system (par. 9-7).
  • Fluid Leak in Hydraulic System. A leak in the hydraulic system will allow the pedal to go to the toeboard gradually under continued pressure. An external leak is indicated by loss of fluid in fluid reservoir. Check all brake pipe connections and all cylinders for evidence of fluid loss. If no leaks are found, remove master cylinder, disassemble and check for internal leak. Check for scores or other damage to cylinder bore, piston, or primary cup (par. 9-14).
    In Power brake cylinder, check for scores or other damage to hydraulic plunger or rubber cup.
  • Improper Brake Fluid. Improper brake fluid may boil due to high temperature. Flush system and refill with specified brake fluid (par. 9-7).

Springy, Spongy Action of 1957 Buick Brake Pedal

  • Air in Hydraulic System. Air will enter the hydraulic system if there is not sufficient reserve fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. A disconnected pipe permits air to enter the system. A clogged filler cap vent will permit air to be drawn in past the piston secondary cup on the return stroke. A leaking check valve causes loss of static pressure in the system, thus permitting air to be drawn in past wheel cylinder cups.

Clean out clogged vent or replace leaking check valve as required. Fill reservoir and bleed hydraulic system (par. 9-7).

  • Brake Shoes Not Properly Adjusted. Adjust 1957 Buick brake shoes, paying particular attention to anchor pin adjustment for centralization of shoes in drum (par. 9-10).
  • Brake Drum Out of Round. Usually indicated by an unstable action of 1957 Buick brake pedal. Check brake drums and true up if necessary (par. 9-12).

1957 Buick Brakes Severe on Light Pedal Pressure

  • Loose Front Wheel Bearings. Check for play in bearings with wheels jacked up and adjust if necessary (par. 7-10).
  • Loose Brake Backing Plate. Tighten all backing plate bolts and adjust anchor pins to centralize 1957 Buick brake shoes (par. 9-10).
  • Brake Shoes Not Properly Adjusted. Adjust brake shoes, paying particular attention to anchor pin adjustment for centralization of shoes in drum (par. 9-10).
  • Excessive Dust in Brake Assemblies. When excessive dust is present, 1957 Buick brakes are usually more severe. Thoroughly clean brake shoe linings to remove embedded dirt (par. 9-10).
  • Faulty Brake Shoe Linings or Drums. Charred linings or scored drums cause grabbing action. A small amount of grease or brake fluid on linings may cause grabbing action. Replace linings and true up or replace scored drums (par. 9-12).
  • Brake Shoe Linings Reversed. The primary lining is shorter than secondary lining and of different composition. Install brake shoes in proper positions. (par. 9-11).

Excessive Pedal Pressure Required

  • Brake Shoes Not Properly Adjusted. If 1957 Buick brake shoes do not have full contact with drums, excessive pedal pressure is required to obtain effective braking. Adjust anchor pins and brake shoes (par. 9-10).
  • Foreign Substances on 1957 Buick Brake Linings. Check for grease, brake fluid, or other foreign substances on linings. Replace grease or fluid soaked linings (par. 9-11). Sand off other foreign substances.
  • Improper Brake Lining. Very hard brake lining may have poor braking effect. Install standard Buick lining (par. 9-11).
  • Improper Brake Fluid. Fluid containing substances injurious to rubber will cause swelling of rubber cups in master and wheel cylinders. Replace rubber cups, flush system and refill with specified brake fluid (par. 9-7, 9-13, 9-14).

Hard or Sticky Initial Pedal Pressure on 1957 Buick Power Brakes

May be accompanied by failure of pedal to return to release position when foot pressure is removed.

  • Binding Pedal Linkage. Remove and lubricate pedal linkage pivot pins with Lubriplate. Make sure pedal return spring is in good condition and properly installed.
  • Dry Power Piston Cup. Remove air cleaner from cylinder housing and inject from 2 to 3 ounces of Dynaflow oil into cylinder. Back off all 1957 Buick brake shoes, start engine and pump brake pedal until the piston moves freely. Readjust shoes.

NOTE: Use only the oil specified and DO NOT pour this oil into the reservoir because it will damage rubber cups in brake hydraulic system.

1957 Buick Power Brake Cylinder Does Not Boost

  • Test for power cylinder operation as follows: With engine stopped, depress 1957 Buick brake pedal several times to eliminate all vacuum from the system. Apply the 1957 Buick brakes and while holding foot pressure on brake pedal, start the engine. If power cylinder is operating, the pedal will move slightly forward when vacuum power is added to the pedal pressure.
  • If above test shows that power cylinder is not operating, check the following items.
    • Vacuum Check Valve Stuck Closed. Remove check valve and free up or replace it.
    • Vacuum Pipe Bent, Broken or Obstructed. Check pipes from intake manifold to check valve and from there to power cylinder and reserve tank. Replace any damaged or plugged parts and make sure all connections are tight.
    • Blocked Air Inlet. Check condition of air cleaner, push rod boot, and air passage inside the air valve. Clean or replace parts as required.
      When installing push rod boot make certain that large end is properly seated over flange of housing cover and small end is properly seated on push rod.
    • Air Valve Sticking in Power Piston. Remove and disassemble power cylinder for inspection (par. 9-17).
  • If above test shows that power cylinder is operating but not giving normal brake action, check the following items.
    • Insufficient Brake Fluid in System. Fill reservoir, bleed all lines and check for leaks (par. 9-17).
    • Brake Lining Condition. Check for glazed, dirty, or oily brake linings. Clean or replace.

1957 Buick Brakes Drag at One Wheel

  • Loose Front Wheel Bearings. Check for play in bearings with wheel jacked up and adjust if necessary (par. 7-10).
  • Insufficient Clearance at Brake Shoes.
    Adjust 1957 Buick brake shoes (par. 9-8).
  • Weak or Broken Brake Shoe Spring. Replace spring and check 1957 Buick brake shoe adjustment (par. 9-10).
  • Wheel Cylinder Piston Stuck or Cups Distorted. May be caused by dirt in hydraulic fluid, improper fluid, or previous use of a cleaning fluid which is detrimental to rubber parts, Overhaul wheel cylinder and replace any defective parts (par. 9-13). It is also advisable to flush hydraulic system to prevent repetition of trouble (par. 9-7).
  • Obstruction in Brake Pipes or Hoses. Obstruction may be caused by foreign material, damaged pipe, kinked or deteriorated 1957 Buick brake hose. Flush hydraulic system (par. 9-7) or replace damaged or defective part as required.

1957 Buick Brakes Drag at All Wheels

  • Insufficient Clearance at Brake Shoes.

Adjust 1957 Buick brake shoes (par. 9-8).

  • Master Cylinder Piston Compensating Holes Closed. If the compensating holes are plugged by foreign material, or are covered by the piston primary cup when brake pedal is in released position, high pressure will be maintained in hydraulic system and brake shoes will be held in contact with drums. This condition is indicated by lack of normal pedal travel and a very solid feel when pedal is depressed.

Make certain that pedal is free on pivot and does not bind in floor mat.

If freeing up brake pedal does not correct the trouble, remove master cylinder for disassembly and thorough cleaning (par. 9-14).

CAUTION: Never insert a test wire through compensating holes as this may leave a burr, which will cut a groove in primary cup.

  • Wheel Cylinder Piston Cups Distorted. If the rubber parts in master cylinder are found to be swollen and distorted (step 2, above), it indicates the presence in hydraulic system of a mineral base oil such as kerosene, gasoline, or engine oil. Such substances will cause all rubber parts to swell and distort, therefore it is usually necessary to thoroughly flush the hydraulic system (par. 9-7) and replace rubber cups in wheel cylinders (par. 9-13).

1957 Buick Power Brakes Do Not Release Properly

Refer to subparagraph h above for causes of brake drag due to conditions other than the 1957 Buick power brake cylinder and its control linkage.

  • Binding Push Rod. See subparagraph e, item (1).
  • Dry Power Piston Cup. See sub-paragraph e item (2).
  • Plugged Compensating Ports. Remove and disassemble power cylinder, clean thoroughly (par. 9-17), also flush 1957 Buick brake hydraulic system to remove all dirt.
  • Power Unit Internal Friction. Remove, disassemble and inspect power cylinder, looking particularly for weak or broken springs and for dry rubber cups and O-ring seals. Reassemble as specified (par. 9-17).

Car Pull to One Side

  • Tires Unequal. Tires unequally inflated, or having unequal wear of treads or different non-skid tread designs may cause car to pull to one side when brakes are applied. Inflate all tires to specified pressure (par. 2-1). Re-arrange tires if necessary so that tread non-skid characteristics are more nearly equal on both sides of car.
  • Brake Shoes Improperly Set. Although hydraulic brakes are self-equalizing so far as applying pressure at each brake shoe in concerned, the brake shoes will not hold equally if not centered in drums, or if the wear pattern is not uniform on all four shoes. Adjust anchor pin and 1957 Buick brake shoes (par. 9-10).
  • Loose Front Wheel Bearings. Check for play in bearings with wheels jacked up and adjust if necessary (par. 7-10).
  • Out-of-Round or Scored Brake Drums.

True up or replace as required (par. 9-12).

  • Brake Linings Not Matched, or Improperly Placed. 1957 Buick brake linings must be of same composition on left and right sides of car, otherwise unequal braking action will result. If primary and secondary linings are interchanged at any wheel, unequal braking will be obtained. Replace or change linings as required (par. 9-11).
  • Foreign Substances on Some Brake Linings. Any foreign substance on linings will affect braking action. Thoroughly clean any linings having water, sand, paint, imbedded particles of metal, etc., on surface. Sand or brush the affected surface-do not use any liquid cleaning agent. Linings having oil, grease, or hydraulic fluid on linings cannot be cleaned satisfactorily and must be replaced (par. 9-11).
  • Loose Brake Backing Plate. Tighten all backing plates and adjust anchor pins to centralize 1957 Buick brake shoes (par. 9-10).
  • Unequal Camber. If car has a tendency to lead to one side when driven on a level road it will also pull to one side when brakes are applied. Adjust camber to specified limits (par. 7-17).

1957 Buick Brakes Squeak

  • Brake Shoes Not Properly Adjusted. Adjust 1957 Buick brake shoes, paying particular attention to obtaining uniform clearances and correct anchor location (par. 9-10).
  • Brake Drum Condition. Carefully inspect 1957 Buick brake drums for out-of-round, scoring, cracks, or hard spots. Rebore any drum if out-of-round or scored (par. 9-12). Replace any drum which is cracked or has hard spots in braking surface.
  • Foreign Material Imbedded in Lining. Metallic particles or grit imbedded in brake lining will cause squeaking. Sand the surfaces of linings and remove all particles of metal. In some cases it may be necessary to dress the lining surfaces with a portable resurfacing machine in order to properly clean the surfaces and insure good contact with 1957 Buick brake drums.
  • Linings Loose on Brake Shoes. Replace any rivets that are loose. Lining must be tightly held against brake shoe flange, particularly at the ends (par. 9-11).
  • Bent Brake Backing Plate. True up or replace backing plate.
  • Improper Brake Shoe Lining. Install standard Buick Lining (par. 9-11).
  • Shoes Scraping on Backing Plate. Squeaking or “crunch” will be produced if contact surfaces are dry, rusty, or rough. The noise is more pronounced if brake shoes have considerable movement due to large clearance between shoes and drums. Clean, smooth up, and lubricate contact surfaces and reduce shoe movement by adjusting to safe minimum clearance (par. 9-10).

1957 Buick Brakes Fade (Fail to Hold)

The condition known as “fade” is caused by loss of friction between 1957 Buick brake lining and drums as a result of abnormally high lining temperatures. Excessive heat cooks out the most volatile ingredients of the bonding material in lining and this acts as a lubricant.

Excessive lining temperatures will be produced by partial or spotty contact of linings with 1957 Buick brake drums, due to improper adjustment. Excessive lining temperature also can be caused by frequent and heavy braking at high speed, driving with parking brakes partially applied, “riding” the brake pedal, or prolonged use of brakes on steep grades without using second gear (synchromesh) or low range (Dynaflow) to obtain adequate engine braking.

After a set of brakes have faded a few times it is probable that they will continue to fade even though the shoes have been adjusted to establish full contact of linings with drums. This is because the cooking out of bonding ingredients has destroyed the frictional properties of the lining surfaces. If the lining thickness is ample and the cooking process has not been prolonged, it may be possible to obtain a correction and some useful life by grinding off about .020” from the lining. Merely sanding off the lining surface will not remove destroyed lining material. If this cannot be done, replacement of lining is the only remedy.

The use of improperly compounded linings will also produce fade. Some replacement linings lose their frictional properties at lower temperatures than the linings selected for Buick brakes. Such linings must be replaced.

When 1957 Buick brake drums are rebored too thin they will have excessive expansion due to heat. The result is loss of pedal reserve and braking when drums are hot, and good brakes when drums are cold. This may be erroneously diagnosed as fade, but fade occurs with ample pedal reserve.