1. Master Cylinder Pushrod Adjustment (Free Travel):
* Purpose: This sets the initial free play in the pedal before the brakes engage. Too much, and the pedal feels spongy. Too little, and the brakes may drag or be hard to depress.
* How to adjust: Locate the pushrod coming from the master cylinder into the booster. There's usually a nut and adjuster on the pushrod. You'll want to refer to a repair manual specific to your 1972 Nova for the exact location and procedure. Generally, you'd adjust this by turning the nut to slightly lengthen or shorten the pushrod. You want to feel a small amount of free play (maybe 1/4 to 1/2 inch) before the pedal starts to firm up. This is a delicate adjustment; make small adjustments and test often.
2. Brake Shoe Adjustments (Drum Brakes):
* Purpose: This is the main adjustment for drum brakes. It compensates for wear on the brake shoes. If the brakes are weak or feel spongy after the master cylinder is adjusted, this is where you'll likely need to focus.
* How to adjust: This is done at each wheel. You'll need to access the adjuster mechanisms, usually located behind the brake drum. These are typically star-wheel adjusters or self-adjusters. This is the most important adjustment for effective braking. Again, a repair manual is crucial here. The method varies slightly depending on the brake system's specific design. Improper adjustment can lead to dragging brakes or ineffective braking. You generally turn the adjuster to take up slack until you feel resistance. Then back it off slightly to allow the drum to spin freely. Repeat this for all four brakes and check for equal braking pressure.
3. Disc Brakes (if equipped):
* 1972 Novas *might* have disc brakes on the front, and drum brakes on the rear. If so, disc brakes typically don't require adjustments other than replacing worn pads.
Critical Safety Information:
* Safety First: Working on brakes is inherently dangerous. If you are not comfortable working on your brakes, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improper brake adjustment can lead to serious injury or death.
* Repair Manual: Get a repair manual specific to your 1972 Chevrolet Nova. It will have detailed diagrams and instructions for adjusting your particular brake system. Haynes and Chilton manuals are readily available.
* Bleeding the Brakes: After making any brake adjustments, you almost certainly need to bleed the brakes to remove any air that may have entered the system. This is a crucial step for proper braking performance.
Don't attempt brake adjustments without a proper repair manual and a basic understanding of brake systems. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional assistance. Your safety is paramount.
