soft brake pedal after conversion from manual

[bdfeenie]

It stops fine, but it seems to have a soft pedal feel, and a long travel to stop.

It is a Tom's Bronco power brake conversion and front disc setup. We bled the master, and the rest of the system. With key off, the pedal feels firm, but once running it softens up, but doesn't run away to the floor.

Is this a normal feel for this combo? I'm kind of at a loss.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[DirtDonk]

Although it's common for the power brakes to feel a little softer initially than a manual, it does sound like yours is not right.
Most common reason is the shafts not being adjusted right. I don't know if it's between the master and the booster, or the pedal and the booster that is the culprit, but when you put the system together did you do any checking to make sure the lengths were to spec?

Paul

 

[DuctTape]

It stops fine, but it seems to have a soft pedal feel, and a long travel to stop.

With key off, the pedal feels firm, but once running it softens up, but doesn't run away to the floor.

By long travel you mean braking distance or pedal distance?

My hydroboost setup has a soft pedal that firms up quickly and will lock up the brakes if pushed much farther.

I do know that it took a few days to get all the air out of the system. For the first couple of days my pedal travel was a bit farther, but it would still lock em up.

I would guess DirtDonk's on the right track, if that doesn't fix it come back and give more information.

 

[csjr]

I think most power braking systems will seem softer with longer throw after converting from manual. You are used to the high and hard pedal with the manual system so it's a pretty big change. I've gone through the same thing myself and am getting used to the new gear. You may still have some tweaking to do, but my bet is that, if you've changed the pads or added front disks at the same time as adding the booster, as the brakes get broken in you will get less pedal travel and a firmer pedal. Good luck!