1950s 1958 Bendix brake problem

[Jon S]

Got the 1958 out of storage today. Started with 3 short attempts after sitting for seven months. Now for the bad news - brake pedal goes almost to the floor upon 1st application; subsequent applications it is fine until the next time you need to stop. I figured low fluid or air in the system. I added a spec of fluid and had my friend help me bleed the Tredle Vac master. No air. I'm thinking vacuum - possibly the one way check valve but the brakes hold fine after one or two pumps. I've never had a problem like this before - if the Master was bad I would expect constant low pedal. Also with engine off it holds firm pedal. Stupidly I played with the adjustable pedal to Master rod to no avail. I put it back to the length it was. Thoughts?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Bad check valve?

[Jon S]

Bad check valve?

Maybe. Is there any way of testing it. Vacuum hoses look fine.

[Jon S]

Found this:

[Jon S]

Appears to be a leaking right wheel cylinder

[Jon S]

Appears to be a leaking right wheel cylinder

All fixed plus Brake hoses we're restricted on the inside like a clogged artery.

[Julien Abrahams]

Nice. Sometimes it is something simple. Happy driving 🙂