Nonexistant brake pressure

I have a 67 2dr whose 4 drum, manual brakes were rebuilt about a 2 and a half years ago. The last time I drove it was about 2 weeks ago. I get into it today and notice that the brakes are not building pressure. They usually only take one pump to become firm, but I have to put the pedal nearly to the floor before they catch. I tried resetting them (reverse at 15 or so, then brake) several times, but no dice. I checked the fluid level and that's fine, and I have no obvious leaks in the brake line. This also happens to be the week that she's scheduled to get a new paint job. Any ideas?

Stop-free in San Antonio

Sam

Yes, Fill the Reservoir,

Remove EACH wheel and drum to inspect for cylinder leaks, then adjust ALL 4 brakes to juuuuust barely drag on the drums, then bleed the brakes until the pedal get's off the floor again.

Procedure: Pull drum then adjust until the drum (when placed back on spindle or axle) drag's slightly. Then WORK foot pedal to center the brakes, then adjust OUT more until it sightly drags again, then, you should be Spot on in your brake adjustment and need to repeat this for each wheel.

That is the only way to be truely aware of your brake adjustment. It takes approximately 25 minutes to do all 4 wheels if you have a helper to step on the brakes.

Good Luck,

FE

If the cup in the master cylinder has gone bad, won't matter which drum you take off there will be no problems to be found.

If you are pumping the brake pedal to get pressure up, it is too late now. Brakes can go bad in driving from one side of the supermarket parking to the other side. If the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir is dark, that is the rubber cup being eaten up, and discoloring the fluid.

It is a pain, but think about ripping out the master cylinder, giving it a cleaning and inspection then. Otherise you will ahve zero brakes after painting is done, then a few drips of the brake fluid on to you new looking fender will sure ruin that expensive job.

Wm.

Coosbay, a leaky wheel cyl. will make you have to pump up your pedal, so will maladjusted brakes.

That darkening of the fluid is also moisture...

I think that if it get's pedal at teh bottom of the throw, then ther is a wheel cyl issue and it's a MUST DO inspection from my viewpoint with every brake issue. Look at all 4 cylinders before making a new master cyl your goal.

Thank you for the recommendations! For some reason, I completely spaced on checking the wheel cylinders individually (Blame it on THE MAN, who decided to lay me off last week after almost 3 years due to "workforce downsizing"). I'll give it a shot tomorrow and report the results!