Mk2 Escort Brake Problems.

[BradZ]

At the local race meet on the long weekend, the scrutineering blokes found a problem with my car, and i was lucky they let me race. The brakes dont engage much untill the pedal is a fair way down, the car stops great but they dont like it. They say i need a new master cylinder. Anyone got one or know of where i can get one? I recently changed my diff so they may need bleeding but im not sure.
Cheers.

[ClevoCapri]

If it has a drum rear they may just need adjusting.
Definately bleed the brakes before spending money on a master overhaul.
Could also check brake lines. Changing to a braided line will reduce pedal travel as rubber lines will flex.
If you have upgraded brakes, as in larger front calipers, you will need a larger diameter master to reduce the pedal travel.

[whooligan]

Common brake problems on Escorts are rear wheel cylinders and leaking brake boosters. The rear cylinders are a 30 minute job, but replacing the booster is a hassle. I've gone years avoiding that job....Just have to pump the brakes a bit but will stop, eventually.
If the master cylinder is f*#ked, its a overhaul job, in which case you are better off going an adjustable pedal box (particularly if you race the car) I'm about to do this with mine, then rear disc brake conversion.

[Jimmyd]

Assuming your pedal was fine before, then it will most likely be either air in the system from the diff swap, or your automatic shoe adjusters are not, well automatically adjusting....

Blown booster will be a hard pedal, but usually not a low pedal.

Bleed brakes, then remove rear wheels and manually adjust your rear brakes up until you feel them drag, then back off the adjuster about 1/4 turn - won't drag and will give really good pedal assuming no other issues......

One left field issue that pops up occasionally - check the nylon bush where the brake booster relay rod mounts to the brake pedal - if split you will get a fair bit of pedal movement before any effort is relayed to the booter push rod.

Cheers

[Les]

Bradz, I have to agree with JimmyD, if you changed the diff, check the rear shoe adjustment, I changed the sons diff (in his car) and had the same problem, new shoes and keep adjusting them. The auto adjuster seems to work o9nly by braking in reverse so a few quick stops going backward helps. Racing seems to wear the shoes pretty quick so a manual adjustment helps. Too much slack in the rear takes fluid from the front so braking becomes no brakes after a while.
Les