Front brakes just don't grab well -- - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jim_PA · 10-20-2006, 11:19 PM

I have a complete 71-72 manual brake system on my 68 - reman calipers and master cylinder, new lines, braided hoses, new wheel cylinders, drums and shoes, used proportioning valve, and standard replacement front pads. The pedal feels good, but I just don't feel a good grab from the front brakes. I know they are working, but there just isn't a good feel from them. Do you think the front pads are to blame, or could there be another problem?

Today in the rain, the rears locked up JUST a little bit when i tried to brake hard, and I would think the fronts should lock up before the rear brakes.

Suggestions???

qksilver · 10-20-2006, 11:54 PM

generally rear brakes grab first because of weight transfer toward the front.
I would make sure the prop valve is working right because that is the only part that is used.
The other thing to check is that the master cylinder is right and the lines are in the proper spot.
manual disc brakes will take more effort than drums because of the energizing effect that is designed into the drum brake system

70GMCer · 10-21-2006, 07:50 AM

I believe the fronts grab first?

PanelDeland · 10-21-2006, 11:18 AM

The fronts do most of the braking but usually the rears lock first because of less weight on them.

mbgmike · 10-21-2006, 11:45 AM

Agree front gets to grab first. check the prop valve if it is used.

Jim_PA · 10-21-2006, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbgmike

Agree front gets to grab first. check the prop valve if it is used.

How would I go about checking it?

70GMCer · 10-22-2006, 07:32 AM

Try here.....Has all the info you need......

http://www.classicperform.com/TechBo...oubleshoot.htm

jamon8 · 10-22-2006, 10:51 AM

I dont know how much money you are willing to spend but you can get an adjustable prop valve

I have a modified braking system which I havnt drivin on yet but I would like to set the preasure from front to back to suit my needs

qksilver · 10-22-2006, 10:07 PM

made a mistake meant lock up first, the front do most of the braking

10-20-2006, 11:19 PM	#1
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Front brakes just don't grab well -- I have a complete 71-72 manual brake system on my 68 - reman calipers and master cylinder, new lines, braided hoses, new wheel cylinders, drums and shoes, used proportioning valve, and standard replacement front pads. The pedal feels good, but I just don't feel a good grab from the front brakes. I know they are working, but there just isn't a good feel from them. Do you think the front pads are to blame, or could there be another problem? Today in the rain, the rears locked up JUST a little bit when i tried to brake hard, and I would think the fronts should lock up before the rear brakes. Suggestions???

10-20-2006, 11:54 PM	#2
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- generally rear brakes grab first because of weight transfer toward the front. I would make sure the prop valve is working right because that is the only part that is used. The other thing to check is that the master cylinder is right and the lines are in the proper spot. manual disc brakes will take more effort than drums because of the energizing effect that is designed into the drum brake system

10-21-2006, 07:50 AM	#3
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- I believe the fronts grab first? __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

10-21-2006, 11:18 AM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- The fronts do most of the braking but usually the rears lock first because of less weight on them. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-21-2006, 11:45 AM	#5
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- Agree front gets to grab first. check the prop valve if it is used.

10-22-2006, 07:32 AM	#7
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- Try here.....Has all the info you need...... http://www.classicperform.com/TechBo...oubleshoot.htm __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

10-22-2006, 10:51 AM	#8
jamon8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: southern Il Posts: 335	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- I dont know how much money you are willing to spend but you can get an adjustable prop valve I have a modified braking system which I havnt drivin on yet but I would like to set the preasure from front to back to suit my needs

10-22-2006, 10:07 PM	#9
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Front brakes just don't grab well -- made a mistake meant lock up first, the front do most of the braking



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.