I have a 1977 Ford Ltd that was given to me from my grandfather. I’ve had it for nearly a year now and have probably put a little over 3k miles on it since. I’ve fixed a few other issues that were not brake related (like leaking gas tank and so on). Today, I was headed back home from work, and I decided to go to the bank. As I was pulling out of the bank, my brake pedal suddenly got really really stiff. I couldn’t stop the car from moving and I was pressing as hard as I could, but it wouldn’t stop. I had to put it in neutral to get it stopped. What’s up with this?
Most of the time when I think of brake failure, I think of the pedal going to the floor, but this one won’t move at all. All the belts are there and last time I checked, there was plenty of brake fluid. Does anyone have idea what could be going on?
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That's tuff as it's 45 years old so most parts will be hard to come by. Rock auto doesn't even have any in-stock, but they do offer rebuild service for the booster.
May have to do this if I can't find a new one.
Your brake power booster has probably failed after 45 years. Really the entire brake system should be gone through and all rubber parts replaced as well.
That's what I'm thinking. Idk how expensive that is though. I can't afford major repairs right now. Definitely can't afford another car either.
It looks like Ford had two types of power brake boosters in use on that model, a conventional vacuum booster and hydroboost. Both are in the range of $100 to $150 but checking several places it shows as out of stock. You may need to get yours rebuilt.
Unfortunately using a car that old as a daily driver can be a challenge, especially for anyone who doesn't do their own repairs.
I'll check on our computers at work. We have the professional software from most of the popular auto parts stores (O Reilly's, Autozone, Napa etc). Usually something will pop up at store or hub and I'd be able to get it from there. If not, I will consider getting it rebuilt. Thanks for the help.
Classic power brake booster failure. Lucky you were able to get it to stop! The good thing about replacing that is you don't need to deal with bleeding an ABS system.
I agree with @chucktobias, at least change your pads and shoes while this is going on, along with the brake booster. Check on RockAuto for OEM parts. If you live in a rust prone area, check for rusty lines. My 1979 Catalina sprang tiny leaks in the lines while I was replacing the wheel cylinders and calipers and trying to bleed the system. Throw that in with 3 different faulty master cylinders, including an OEM one, that was a nightmare of a first time, full brake job.
Invest in an OEM service manual on RockAuto for your car. They're on CD and are only like $25. I got one for my Catalina and I love having it. The differential started leaking last week. I replaced the gasket along with a ton of other stuff in the last year, using it.
I'm considering a full brake job on it and replacing whatever needs it, but I'm not sure i'll be able to afford it at this time. Definitely will check brake lines. I live in Mississippi where winters are mild. No salting roads here and not extremely close to the ocean. The under-carriage is in excellent condition with only surface rust.
As for parts, I work at an auto shop, so we have the pro websites and software from places like O Reilly's and Autozone. I should be able to find it there, hopefully. Thanks for the helpful answer.
I would at a minimum consider replacing the rubber flex lines on the front calipers and the rear axle if they're original.
Yeah, I forgot about those somehow, haha. I did them in my Catalina as well. They're only $10-$20 a piece.