I've got a 72 FJ40 that I've been working on. I need some help in figuring out why I can't get my brakes to act right. I've replaced all the wheel cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, & shoes but I can't figure out why I can't get the brakes to work correctly. They work but only after pumping for a few times. I've bled and bled the lines, no leaks, just dumbfounded. Could the new master cylinder be faulty? What else should I check/try?

 

Could be leakage into your power booster....any of your reseviors going low yet no external leaking?

 

Could still be air in the system.

Also, try readjusting all the shoes. If they are adjusted too far in it will take a pump or two to push them out. Adjust them outwards so the shoes are just touching the drum.

 

Yep..... very important to adjust all the shoes evenly, and as close to the drums as possible.... otherwise it might pull to one side or take a few pumps. i have gotten used to to the 3-pumps to get brakes on my 1970.... Also why I wont let ANYONE drive it... 1 push and you get no brakes ( a pain for the constant adjusting needed), need to pump at least 3 times before any braking action.