Initial Adjustment of Pushrod on BJ8 Brake Master Cylinder

[Leo_Speichinger]

I had to replace the brake master cylinder on my new BJ8 and I am looking for advice on getting the MC pushrod adjusted right. Initally and after bleeding. Thanks for any advice. I am new to Big Healeys and I can tell you this... A bugeye is so much easier to work on

Leo

 

[Leo_Speichinger]

Re: Inityal Adjustment of pushrod on BJ8 Brake master cylinder

Does the lack of a reply mean no one has an idea of the inital adjustment How long should the adjustable pushrod be adjusted to initaly?

Leo

 

[dougsmarkIII]

Re: Inityal Adjustment of pushrod on BJ8 Brake master cylinder

Check it against your brake pedal free play. There should be about 1/2" play before the brake pedal engages the master cylinder. Other owners may have a different opinion.

Doug

 

[RAC68]

Re: Inityal Adjustment of pushrod on BJ8 Brake master cylinder

Hi Leo,

I agree with Doug’s comment but would add that the adjustablepushrod, as apposed to the fixed-length rod, will give you an opportunity toengagement the MC where you feel most comfortable (within good reason). Since many MCs come with fixed length pushrods or forks, there is little requirement for any discussion on this topic.

Hope this helps,
Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Re: Inityal Adjustment of pushrod on BJ8 Brake master cylinder

OK, I'm confused (but admit I haven't done any brake work lately and I'm not going to dive under the dash to look). IIRC, the brake M/C pushrod has a threaded clevis at the pedal end; AFAIK this is to allow some adjustment of pedal height (set to personal preference). There should be no 'free play' in the brake pedal to speak of--the brakes should start to engage as soon as you press on the pedal. If they don't you have oblonged holes in the clevis (common), and/or a worn clevis pin (very common) and/or a problem with the brake circuit (e.g. air). There will be a little slack if you lift the pedal, but this is set by the distance between the 'knobby' end of the pushrod and the pushrod retainer; there is nothing that can be adjusted there.

There should be no 'free play' in the clutch pedal, either, but the clutch pedal usually has about an inch of travel before the clutch starts to disengage from the flywheel; this is due to slack in the M/C pedal, slave pushrod and throwout bearing mechanism. The clutch pedal height can be adjusted somewhat with shims under the M/C.

 

[RAC68]

Hi Bob,

As I understand it, you are correct in that there is no adjustable free play in the brake or clutch MCs. The adjustable pins (or forks) allow you to alter the peddle location and the free play I (and I believe Doug) referred to is the available peddle distance for adjustment. Although there may be some return-spring distance within the MC before the MC begins its compression, this movement is required by the MC and is not adjustable. I apologize if I gave the wrong impression.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)