How do I adjust the brake pedal travel?

[runderwo]

My booster rod is recessed about 1/4 inch compared to the spec in the book and the pedal goes straight to the floor when vacuum is applied as a result. It is hard as a rock when the motor is off but still goes down about 1/2 way.

I took off the MC and tried to turn the nut on the end of the rod while holding the 11/32 star nut. But it just rounded off the star nut.

 

[Tony H]

Silly question But are the back brake shoes adjusted properly? Those Auto adjusts don't always work as they should.

 

[runderwo]

They seem to be. The parking brake grabs properly at least.

Tangential question: should I be getting a sound of rushing air from the booster or does that indicate it has gone bad?

 

[Tony H]

They seem to be. The parking brake grabs properly at least.

Tangential question: should I be getting a sound of rushing air from the booster or does that indicate it has gone bad?

Air? With the car turned off or all the time?

Parking brake...It grabs BUT how many Clicks before it grabs? It should get grab very quickly. 2-4 clicks

 

[runderwo]

I actually have to mash the parking brake fairly well to get it to go, but I get about 2 clicks out of it. The cable is out of adjustment is why I have to really mash it. The adjustment nut is rusted and I'm still trying to get that bugger to loosen up.

I get air rushing and pedal straight to the floor only when the motor is running. I have heard this air rushing sound for months but the pedal going to the floor is a recent problem.

 

[Verno]

My money is on either the booster itself has gone (rusted probably) or the rubber grommet that your vacuum line connects to. What you hear is most likely the vacuum line not "air." You can check it with some soapy water with engine running

 

[runderwo]

Is the booster an unsurprising failure at this age?

 

[Verno]

depends on what conditions it has faced. I had to replace on on an 88 Bronco a few yrs ago.

 

[Tony H]

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/brake05.pdf

I stumbled on this a while ago. I forgot what I read, I think it gives you some info at the bottom of this writeup