I could really do with some pro advise and guidance.
I have a 1975 Mk1 Escort and really struggling to get a hi brake pedal but,
The system has been bled several times - no air or air locks
I have looked to see if I accidently fitted a mix system of booster and pedal arms rods but they are ok
When I put my foot on the brake pedal , I push it down and about half way I get clicking type release noise and the pedal goes down another quarter way but I do have a good stop pedal as if it is a good power booster stop pedal but way down too far and that clicking and loss of pedal.
I took the master cylinder off  this morning and the rod from the front of the booster seams ok.
I got under the car and held the rod into the back of the booster while someone else put the foot on the brake and I can feel the clicking in my hand.
Do I send both units away for reconditioning , thoughts and knowledge please
Jim

Hi Jaycees, The clicking could be the linkages on the rods. When I replaced mine on my Sundowner it started doing it as well. You could replace all of the bushes and make sure the pins are the right way in.
As for the long pedal, as you've bleed the system and I assume you've replaced the fluid with good quality stuff, this could be the master cylinder although sometimes when they fail the pedal will stop but then slowly fall further. A long pedal could be caused by expanding flexible brake hoses or pads with too much compensability. The first problem is solved by replacing the brake flexible hoses. Either use a good quality standard or road legal braided. The braided will give you a much better pedal and feel. The second is solved by fitting good quality front pads. Rear shoes tend not to have this problem and there aren't many compounds available for the rear. In mentioning the rear another problem I have come across in the past is expanding drums, but this usually happens when they become very worn and soon lead to failure.
 
Hope this helps, Cheers, David Vervaart.

Hi David,
thanks for your reply, I have new flex lines fitted, new front pads and the rears were good,
this is a total rebuild of mine, High grade brake fluid used too,
It is a Mk1 Escort and I have used a Mk1 pedal assembly and Mk1 Booster and pedal brake arms and an early Mk2 master cylinder for a 2 pipe outlet system.
I am thinking about the rod that goes from the brake pedal to the first linkage point ,it is adjustable on a Mk1, I can extend that to in theory decrease pedal travel,although I have checked with other Mk1's I have at work and mine is the same as them where I first set it on the thread.
I see if I can call you tomorrow David,
thanks Jim

Hi Jim
Have you got it sorted? if not
check if the pads are not sticking in the caliper, I had an uneven pad rubbing area on a caliper that produced a similar pedal, the pad was actually twisting and binding up and the car would pull to one side.a couple of strokes with a file got rid of the groove in the caliper and all was well again.
 
A quick check on the rear system, pulling on he hand brake then pumping the pedal to push out the cylinders to meet the now fully applied shoe, letting the system settle and then try the pedal feel again all whilst the hand brake is still applied.
 
If the fault is still evident, clamp off the flex hoses (but not if they are braided!!) starting with the rear, that will isolate that part of the circuit fully and test pedal feel.
If the fault is still evident, then turn to the front passenger side hose and clamp it (keeping the rear clamped), and test pedal.
If the fault is still evident, then clamp off the drivers side, then test pedal.
 
If the fault is still evident, with all 3 clamped the only part of the system that is functioning is the master/servo and mechanical linkage.
In the words of Sherlock Holmes "when you have eliminated the impossible what ever remains, however improbable must be the culprit"
For braided lines;
You could fit short dummy pipe that is flattened at the master cylinder outlets if braided hoses are fitted.
 

Hi Phil,
it looks like it was the master cylinder, I opened it up and the rubbers were not the best so I have re kitted it and bled the master out of the car and fitted straight back on and I have a better pedal, I do have to do another bleed of the brakes.
Thanks for your input,
Jim