1981 C-10 Brake Pedal Problem - Need Advice

[MirandaB]

I was driving my 1981 C-10 the other day and noticed that the brake pedal wasn't returning all the way to its proper position when I took my foot off it. I parked it until the weather would permit me to work on it. Today it is clear and in the 40s (truck is outside and I don't have any garage to work in) so I tried to figure out what the problem is, but no dice.

I first thought that the pedal sticking might be related to the new(er) steering column I installed this past summer, so I removed both the lower dash panel under the steering column and the instrument bezel to get a better view. I can't see anything amiss with the installation, and no binding of any of the wiring in way of the pedal and surrounding metalwork. In fact, I can't even see anything that is supposed to pull the pedal back to position, like a spring or something.

I looked through my Haynes manual but there weren't any diagrams of the brake pedal mechanism, so I am SOL there as well.

Before I remove the instrument cluster to get an even better view of the top of the area over the pedal, can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks,

Miranda

[Keith Seymore]

There is a small plunger style switch that actuates the brake lights, and that is "self adjusting".

Make sure that has not slid down out of position and is keeping the brake pedal from returning.

K

[MirandaB]

I think I have the problem solved, but checking the pressure switch to see if it is in the correct location isn't something I ever considered. Thanks a bunch for the suggestion. I'll be sure to check that out, too.

[gchemist]

If I understand, brakes work good but pedal is not return to its proper position.

If you need to test the master cylinder and brake booster, use this guide.
http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/chas...on/booster.htm