89 convertible brake pedal feel.
 

Despite owning my 89 convertible for nearly 3 years I have never driven it as it has been undergoing major restoration work.It is a 5.3 with the tevez braking system. Now the majority of the work has been done I’ve got around to bleeding the brakes. Question is how should the brake pedal feel with the engine switched off? Should it be fairly solid or should it be soft until the engine has been started and filled the accumulator ball and then firm up? Your thoughts as always appreciated.

Hi Brinny

You shouldn't really notice that much difference if at all, although the age/condition of the Accumulator (Black Ball) could have a bearing on it

On my Grey XJS the Pedal always feels hard even if She has been Standing all Winter

Though not the case with 'Cherry Blossom' my Red XJS that had also been standing for exactly the same length of time, where within a few minutes of driving her, the Pedal went right to the floor and I lost all the Brakes

Although as soon as I swapped the Accumulator for the one that I took of 'The Ice Princess' my Blue XJS there was an immediate difference as the Pedal felt harder than it had ever been

Which was quite Amazing as the Accumulator off 'Cherry B' and 'The Ice Princess' are both nearly 20 years Old and so neither one is likely to be as full of gas as when it was New

So after more extensive Testing, if I find the Accumulator 'Black Ball' was the problem, then I will treat 'Cherry B' to a New Accumulator

Are you following the Correct Brake Bleeding Procedure and using the Key when you Bleed the Rear Brakes?

I suspect I still have air as the pedal is a bit in between. Thanks ob.

Hi Brinny

If you don't Bleed the Low Pressure side of the System, then you'll be wasting your time and you will never get the Air out

Bleeding The Low Pressure Side Of The Teves Master Cylinder Actuator

There may be other methods but this is the one I prefer, just be very Careful not to break the Plastic Elbow, which goes into the Brake Pump and is secured with a Pin, or it may be very difficult to find a replacement