Front Brake - Cylinder Push Pin Length Question

[TJM70's_48]

I have read varying opinions on using longer wheel cylinder shoe pins and wanted to find out what the proper front length is.

 

After installing my new front wheel cylinders, I re-used the old = short pins that were in the existing cylinders. I thought I had read to do this.

 

The cylinders came with longer pins - which I still have - and I wanted to find out if I should be using those.

 

The new pins are 1.75" long.

 

Is there a guideline for this?

 

I am waiting on the Ammco brake tool to arrive on loan so I don't think I can judge my braking performance yet based on my home-made centering tool alone. However, I still have a soft pedal until I pump two times.  I'm wondering if the cylinder pistons are traveling too far out toward the end of the cylinder?

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

you should use the pins that are matched to the depth of the internal wheel cylinder pistons..I think you can do a search here a the three different pistons and respective pins have been shown in photograph before..I cannot comment on actual length as they are piston related..

Edited May 21, 2013 by Plymouthy Adams

[TJM70's_48]

Is this an issue of brand - I bought Raybestos cylinders - or is pin length related to cylinder location / type?

 

I have a double handicap - I don't know if work done by previous owners was right or not and I have never worked on old equipment / non-modern brakes before.

[Dave72dt]

Your soft pedal can be caused by shoe adjustment or new cylinders not completely bled of air or a combination of both.  i'd wait for the brake tool to show up now and if still having problems after that, rebleed.

[TJM70's_48]

This is my thought process too. I think I got a good bleed out of it but there are lots of places for air to hide.

 

Before I'm done, I'll switch the pins if I need to...figured now was a good time to ask.

 

I have so much to learn.....