1957 Mushy Brakes

[Walter Youshock]

Yep.  Gotta be there. 

Thanks for backing me up.

[Roger Zimmermann]

To be honest, the '57 shop manual does not mention it. The '58 manual does, but you know it's not the same brake system.
The Brougham shop manual ist just saying that the brake system ist mostly similar to the other '57 cars, just how it's installed on the cowl is different.
My car is a Brougham and I did not modify it to add that check valve.

[Dave Shepherd]

Roger you are correct, someone in the past eliminated it on this car, it must have one as mentioned, I will get a modern one and splice it in, thanks for the follow ups by all!

[Roger Zimmermann]

Glad to be able to help, even if I'm not on the same continent!

[60eldo]

   Guys the check valve is in the booster check the manuel

[60eldo]

   OK,,,the best way to know this is who here has a 1957 cadillac reg carb,,,please let us know if you have a factory check valve inbetween the booster and intake,,,pics would be great

[Walter Youshock]

Here's mine:

[Coupe Deville]

   OK,,,the best way to know this is who here has a 1957 cadillac reg carb,,,please let us know if you have a factory check valve inbetween the booster and intake,,,pics would be great

My 1957 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan did. I have since sold the car. I'll try and find a picture if I can. It had the check valve between the pipe on the intake, and the brake booster. More modern/reliable booster/master combos can be put in the 1957. The only thing is that it will not be original to the engine bay. I converted the brake system on my 57' to a remanufactured master/booster from a 1967 cadillac. (This is the popular unit to convert the 59'/60' with. Which i've also done.) If you are comfortable with fabrication this would be easy for you. I always want to keep my cars original, but at the time, it was actually cheaper to fab up a new unit, then to get the hydrovac unit rebuilt. And I had already dumped $120.00 into the master cylinder, and was not going to keep putting money into a braking system that was "sub average" when new.

-Gavin   

[60eldo]

  Got new booster   NNNOOO    FFUU   ing   BRAKES STILL, Pedal goes to the floor

[57 Eldo Seville]

I have the dual quad factory setup and my check valve is in the same place as Walter's.

[60eldo]

  Thanks Dave where can I get one. OK now for the real story, new M/C, new booster, new wheel cyls, and hoses,,,,,,,,,,,all bled....I have no brakes, pedal goes to the floor but at one point I had a little padal but as soon as I start car it goes to the floor,,,,am I angry,,,,,you better believe it.

[57 Eldo Seville]

There are several sources of used Cadillac parts on the internet.

But the pedal going to the floor will not be fixed by the check valve.

When I got my Seville, there was pedal but no apparent power assist. I rebuilt the master cylinder, found and repaired all vacuum leaks, and adjusted the brakes per the service manual procedure.  If I remember right adjust the starwheel until the drum is locked and then back off 14 clicks.  And I think that the starwheel rotated in the opposite direction on the rear wheel cylinders than on the front when adjusting.

Now the system works pretty well for a power 4 wheel drum setup on a 5000 pound car.

[60eldo]

       I just read another post, and Im wondering. Is that on the bottom of the M/C a grease fitting, I hope it is cause now Im thinking its a bleeder screw in which case I never touched that,,,,Oh   Oh

[Walter Youshock]

That's a grease fitting.

How is the reaction with the emergency brake?  Is the travel excessive?  Will it hold the car when applied?  Does it release?

Seems your problem is more mechanical than hydraulic right now.

[60eldo]

   Interesting Walter, are you saying that MAYBE my shoes need adjusting, so when Im pressing the brake pedal the shoes are too far back and are not hitting the drum?  Maybe

[Walter Youshock]

No clue but it's the next thing to check.  The manual is very specific on the adjustments so follow it to the letter.  You replaced all the return springs, readjusted the anchor pins, lubricated the shoes and anchor plates, etc.?

Will the pedal ever return to a somewhat normal position after a few hours or even overnight?

[60eldo]

   Woke up this morning went to car pressed and had a little brake 1 inch above the floor, then I changed my vac hose to a hydralic one seems a bit better, so with engine off I pressed brake down and up and held it down, started car and pedal rose,,,,shouldnt it drop?

[Michael Brittan CLC #2750]

Hi Johnny:
Been following this saga.  Any further developments to report?
Thanks,
Mike

[cwbbear]

I too am Curious,  it also reminded me I did not post a picture of how mine is set up.  I have never take this out of the car and I have only rebuild the wheel cylinders and replaced shoes so far.  I can lock em up if I jump on it.

so my Vacuum comes from the front of the engine to the bottom of the booster and then the lines as documented in the picture.  If there is a check value there is nothing on my system from the manifold to the booster as it is just rubber hose clamp connected to the two pipe fittings on each end.