Pedal Travel, Manual Brakes

[karlos]

Been a while since I had a car with manual brakes, so I'm looking to compare notes with someone with more recent experience. Just finished up my brake system, and while the pedal is firm, the pedal travel seems a bit long to me at about 2-1/2 to 3 inches. Complete Wilwood system (calipers, master cylinders, pedal box). Master cylinders were bench bled, and the whole system was pressure bled after that. I don't believe any air remains in the system. Probably completely normal, but my 1965 Mustang with manual brakes is only a distant memory...

Thanks.

-Karl

[GoDadGo]

I've got manual brakes on my MK-4 and my pedal doesn't move that much. The big difference may be the fact that my brakes are stock pieces (Mustang Front / Explorer Rear) and yours are multi-piston upgraded Wilwood pieces.

I'm assuming that your system, since it is the upgraded bakes, is likely requiring a larger volume of brake fluid since you've got more pistons to move and likely may need more volume compared to mine. If the brakes are free of air, you may want to consider going with larger master cylinders, but I'd call the TECH folks at Factory Five if someone on this Forum who is more knowledgeable than yours truly doesn't respond with a better and likly more correct answer.

My front Master is a 3/4" bore and the rears uses a 5/8" Cylinder. I don't know if this helps you or not.

Good Luck!

Steve aka: GoDadGo

[edwardb]

I just measured my recently completed and bled complete Wilwood system. It does make a difference where on the pedal you're measuring. On mine: Top of pedal, just over 2 inches. Bottom of pedal, right at 2-1/2 inches. I'm just pushing with my hands (it's on a lift) but there's not much more movement available. I'm guessing yours is OK. But I honestly don't know for sure. This is my first all Wilwood system. Previous builds were various combinations.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

FFR full kit package with Hawk HPS/HPS+ pads instead of originals. About 1.5/1.75 inch is hand push take up to no movement.

[karlos]

Thanks guys. I rounded up a couple helpers and bled the brakes again, this time the old-fashioned way - one person on the front bleeder, one person on the rear, and one person to work the pedal. Noticed a few small bubbles, and now I've got about 1-3/4" as measured at the top of the pedal. Definite improvement.

Thanks again - appreciate the responses.