brakes

[psg]

I rebuilt each of the 4 corner brake cylinders and put on new hoses including new shoes. I also replaced the master cylinder with a rebuilt from IAP. I think I did a pretty good job bleeding the system as I have run out of bubbles. I did a couple of them even after driving to see if more bubbles move around. No bubbles.

I just remembered that I am driving the car without a number of vacuum hoses attached as I still have the air filter off and a few other things still disconnected.....(i just got it to idle and run so I couldn't resist getting her out on the road for the first time). Will those open air circuits affect the brake servo so the pedal just does not feel like it is doing much? When I apply the brakes it feels like trying to stop my dads DeSoto when the engine was off. psg

[mbouse]

the power brake booster works with intake manifold supplied vacuum. there is a check valve at the brake booster to help maintain that vacuum.

if there are enough vacuum leaks to prevent the booster from getting sufficient vacuum, then yes. your brake pedal performance may be affected.

i'd sooner think that if you really have that many hoses missing from active duty that there would be other performance issues before you were concerned about brakes.... but having just the air cleaner off.. no, your brakes should be alright.

[psg]

okay, thanks. I had an etype that had a brake setup which created air pockets when bleeding the brakes so that had to be addressed. How about these spyders? Is there any particular problem I should be aware of when bleeding the brakes? paul

[racydave]

Its a pain to bleed them! Also the rear axle should be up and supported for the rear brake valve to open. I have had luck opening the bleeders closest first, gravity bleed, then bleed with assistance. It sometimes takes awhile