1948-1952 Shop Service Manual - - Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club

15 - 8 BRAKES
Fluid withdrawn in any bleeding operation should not
be used again.
Replenish fluid in the master cylinder after each cylinder
isbled. If filler bottle J-713-C (filler and threaded adapter) is
used, this constant check on the master cylinder is not
necessary because of its large capacity and the fact that the
quantity is easily watched.
If the master cylinder is drained during the bleeding
operation, air will enter the system and the bleeding will
have to be done all over again at all four wheels.
When bleeding operation is completed the master cylinder
must be refilled.
Check fluid level in master cylinder every 1000 miles.
BRAKE FLUID
Hydraulic brake fluid must have a high boiling point to
prevent evaporation and to prevent any tendency to vapor
lock, yet at the same time a good brake fluid must remain
fluid at cold temperatures.
There are some types of brake fluid that are composed of
ethyl alcohol and castor oil; cellosolve and castor oil; alcohol,
water, and glucose with some chromate added to retard
corrosion; mineral oil; anti -freeze alcohols with no castor
oil added.
Brake fluids of the above types are all harmful because -
Ethyl alcohol has a lower boiling point than HUDSON
BRAKE FLUID, causing it to vaporize more rapidly and
increasing the tendency to produce a vapor lock in the lines.
Cellosolve has a rather severe action on rubber parts and
should not be used for that reason.
Water and glucose is worthless as water will corrode the
metal parts of the system and glucose forms a sticky mass
when exposed to air and has no lubricating qualities.
Mineral oil, in even the smallest quantity, should never
be used. The slightest trace of mineral oil will destroy the
sealing qualities of the two rubber piston cups in two or
three days. Never wash any hydraulic brake parts in gasoline
as even the slightest amount of mineral oil present in
gasoline will affect the rubber parts.
Hudson Brake Fluid mixes with other brake fluids
recommended by automobile manufacturers. However, do
not mix Hudson Brake Fluid with any fluids containing
glycerine, sugar, glucose, mineral oil or water.
ADJUSTMENT
HAND BRAKE LEVER
ADJUSTMENT
With the hand brake fully released, the brake cables
should permit the anchor ends of the rear brake shoes to rest
on the anchor pin; if not readjust as follows:
Pull hand brake grip two notches from full release. There
should be 1/8" clearance between the hand brake cable lever
(5) and end of slot in lever guide plate (24). If not - adjust
hand brake cable clevis (51) until 1/8" clearance is obtained.
Pull rear brake cables (6) tight adjust clevises so that clevis
pins just enter holes in toggle (35). All slack should be
removed when clevis pins are in place and hand brake
applied two notches.
Check engagement of hand brake ratchet rod lock springs.
Replace worn or broken springs.
BRAKE PEDAL ADJUSTMENT
The brake pedal lever (8) Figure 1 should have between
1/4" to 3/8" free play; this free play is the movement of the
pedal lever (8) before the master cylinder push rod touches
the master cylinder piston.
This adjustment is important to assure that the master
cylinder piston returns to its normal position, otherwise the
brakes will drag.