Hard Brake

[lasso]

Still running drum brakes on this VW Trike build, getting close to the finish line with it. My brake pedal is rock hard though. Everything is working, the pedal is just hard. Can anyone point me in the general direction to look. All help is always greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lasso

 

[Rsw]

Heres some good information here. What size master cylinder you using?

Brakes1

 

[lasso]

Using a 5/8 bore. It'll stop and hold, its just a VERY hard pedal, and won't lock up the wheels either.

 

[Rsw]

Did you check to see if you had good preasure to the wheel cylinders. Hold the pedal down and crack the bleader lose ? Sounds like your not getting any fluid movement.

 

[Loner]

Since yours is a custom build, let's look at the ratio of your brake pedal to master cylinder. Measure the length from the top of your brake pedal to the center of its hinge point, and then the length from the attachment point of your master cylinder pin (usually a clevis) to the center of the pedal hinge point. The ratio of the first to the latter measurement should be a minimum of about 8:1 for comfortable braking. If it is less, then you are losing mechanical advantage and brakes will be harder. Not an exact science, but one of the major factors which affect the efficiency of brake pedal operation.

How does yours look?