Willys Hotchkiss Jeep M201 update; Brakes adjusted and bled and stopping better now!

 

Somehow I deleted the previous Jeep blog post and I cannot see where to un - delete it, bloomin computers!, so will repost it again here along with bleeding the brakes using a one man operation DIY bleed kit. With the Jeep been running 6 months now It was time to adjust the brakes having done over 1000km/600 odd miles now. The drums are actually a bit oval with wear, and really should be skimmed or replaced in the future, but that will get done when the brake shoes need replaced. 

There is plenty of info online on setting up the brakes on old Jeeps, and the Hotchkiss set up is identical to the WW2 Willys and Ford MB`s and two ways to adjust are the quick `in the field` minor set up, and the more accurate major set up` using feeler gauges.  Both are obviously shown in the Willys Manual I was given with my Jeep...

This is worth watching, and subscribing to their channel if your interested in Jeeps as real useful and packed with information on the history of Wartime Jeeps, here is how to do the Major brake shoe adjustment;

I had watched this and most of the videos on this ace channel already so had prepared and bought used spanners needed via eBay and ground the 3/4" spanner to fit into the back of the brake shoe mounting plate, and a second set of feeler gauges, one set in the Jeep tool kit one set for the workshop Jeep tool box.

Top clearance set to .008

Lower set to .005

Brakes were better now when I tried the Jeep around town but still a bit spongy so decided to bleed them myself.  I bought a Draper DIY self brake bleed kit for £6 via eBay, my go to tool shopping site these days as I do my Jeep maintenance!

With a one way valve inside you just fill the container to about an inch with fluid then attach to a bleed nipple and open it and pump the brake several times giving it a few seconds between each pump.  

I sat my phone recording the bleed tube each time and would watch after each drum was bled, and right enough there was air in the system.

The master cylinder is located under the floor and pedals accessible via this plate. I checked the fluid level was up to the top before starting and kept the cover hand tight...

Starting on the drum furthest from the master cylinder I bled the rear right, rear left, front right, front left...

Every two drums I would return the bled fluid back to the master cylinder using a large syringe with 6" tube...

I topped up the master cylinder with the fluid I put in the bleed bottle to start with but did not need it all so returned it to the bottle as clean,

The brake was a lot better now and stops solid...

I improved the brake even better by making a short adjustment to the linking rod between the brake pedal lever and master cylinder. I only extended it by approx 4mm but made an improvement to the brakes when I took it a test drive with more leverage on the angle the brakes start to be applied...

I added a couple of accessories this week, a canvas shovel cover that will stop the shovel rattling...

And a Bridge plate, as fitted after 1944, seeing as a previous owner had painted the bonnet with the broken circle around the Star Invasion markings...

Today I am writing this up and it is May Bank Holiday weekend, and it is finally, finally! getting warmer!, so with the brakes massively improved it's time to get a drive up the back roads into our local hills now I know I can stop ok on the steep down hills!,

More soon...