Brake Pedal Free Play & Height
With engine running and parking brake released, apply pressure to the brake pedal. Measure brake pedal free height and check travel using Brake Pedal Effort Gauge (Rotunda 021-00001).
- Insert a slender, sharp-pointed tool (ice pick) through carpet and sound deadened to dash panel metal. Measure distance to top center of brake pedal pad.
- If position of brake pedal is not 7.5" (190 mm), check brake pedal for missing, worn, damaged bushings or loose attaching bolts. Repair or replace components as necessary. Check that floor pan has not been distorted or that brake pedal is not bent. See Fig 1 .
- If brake pedal free height is still out of specification, check brake pedal, booster or master cylinder to ensure components are installed correctly. Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
- Hook a steel measuring tape to brake pedal. Measure and record distance from brake pedal free height position to 6 o'clock position on steering wheel rim. See Fig 2 .
- With steel tape still hooked to brake pedal, depress brake pedal by pressing downward on brake pedal effort gauge. Apply a 25 lb. load to center of pedal. Maintain pedal load and measure distance from brake pedal to fixed reference point on steering wheel rim, parallel to centerline of steering column.
- The difference between brake pedal free height and depressed pedal measurement under a 25 lb. load should be 2 7/32" (56 mm). If pedal travel is more than specification, make several forward and reverse stops.
- Move vehicle in backward and forward about 10 feet, then apply brakes until vehicle comes to a complete stop. This will actuate brake self-adjusters. If these stops do not bring brake pedal travel within specification, make several additional forward and reverse stops.
- If second series of stops do not bring brake pedal travel within specification, remove brake drum and check brake self-adjusters to make sure they are functioning. Check brake linings for wear or damage. Service or replace all worn or damaged parts and non-functioning adjusters. Adjust brake lining outside diameter to approximate inside diameter of brake drum with Brake Adjustment Gauge (D81L 1103A).