Re: [Amc-list] Brakes, still not good

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Mike, you just need a 1" bore MC. The Bendix MC will work fine. Instead of adapters I'd change the lines between the MC and junction block. Wagner used a large nut with a small line on one of the lines to prevent mixing them up. You can get adapters, but changing the line is better and easy using lengths of line form the parts store. I've done this change several times. Some of the Wagner MCs have a stepped bore, but the brakes work fine with a straight bore MC in my experience -- yours may vary. In other words, any brake adaptations are at your own risk, I'm sure you know! 

You may have air in the MC. You bleed the MC by running a line from the outlet back to the reservoir, making sure the end stays under fluid. That should have been done when it was installed. I'd try that first, then try a later model AMC MC if that doesn't help. I forget when the outlets changed from the right (passenger side -- toward engine) to the left (opposite!), but if you have room to bend the lines either works fine. I have a left side outlet 90s Ranger MC on my car. If you have the brake light switch under the MC (screws in -- stock should have it) I'd recommend fabbing an adapter and using a switch on the pedal if the car is driven much. If you want to keep the pressure switch, however, just put a brass T in the line -- the switch is standard pipe thread (I believe 1/4"?). If the switch goes out search for "Ron Francis Wiring" and buy a replacement from them. The generic parts store replacements don't last long. I moved mine to a switch on the pedal long before I ad
 apted the Ranger power booster and MC. Got stopped for running two stop signs, and the cop was ticked big time! He almost hit me at the second one, so I had to quickly look and go!! The brake light switch quit, and hadn't been in there more than 5-6 months. Went to court and got out of it, but had to pay the $65 court cost. No more pressure switches for my drivers!

--------------
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:43:34 -0500
From: mask1966@xxxxxxx

Well, I have replaced all hoses and wheel cylinders in my '62 Rambler 
Classic. (Wagner Brakes) The brakes are still crap!!!! I adjusted each 
wheel until it drags, bled the wheels removing all bubbles and flushing 
lines until clean and still the pedal is low and I couldn't lock any 
wheel if my life depended on it. I know the previous owner had the M/C 
rebuilt by a mechanic last year, but I still suspect it to be leaking. 
These M/Cs are not cheap, even if you can find one. Here are my 
questions:

1. Can I substitute a Bendix M/C for the Wagner?

2. What about a power M/C in place of my manual one?

3. Should I just get a Mustang or Nova M/C and adapt? (I have done this 
in my Chevy truck and '53 Ford; they bot have great brakes)

Help me out here please, I need this thing to stop!  Thanks

Mike Klepp

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)


_______________________________________________
Amc-list mailing list
Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list