When did Ford go to juice brakes?
Ford moved away from mechanical, rod-and-cable braking to hydraulic (often called “juice” brakes) with the launch of the Model A in 1927, and four-wheel hydraulic braking became standard for the lineup by 1928. This marked Ford’s entry into the era of hydraulic braking in mass-market automobiles.
Historical context
Before the Model A, Ford’s mainstream cars—most notably the Model T—used mechanical braking systems. These relied on linkage and transmission brakes rather than hydraulic pressure. As the auto industry shifted toward hydraulic systems in the 1920s, Ford faced decisions about reliability, cost, and production, culminating in a shift with its new model line.
Timeline of Ford's brake evolution
The following milestones illustrate how Ford transitioned from mechanical to hydraulic braking.
- 1908–1927: Model T era relied on mechanical/rod braking systems, with limited or no hydraulic components.
- 1927: Model A debuts with hydraulic, four-wheel braking, signaling Ford’s commitment to hydraulic systems on its new line.
- 1928 onward: Four-wheel hydraulic brakes become standard across most Ford passenger cars, with ongoing refinements in braking hardware in the ensuing years.
In short, Ford’s transition to hydraulic, or “juice,” brakes began with the 1927 Model A, and hydraulic braking became standard for the company’s mainstream passenger cars by 1928.
What "juice brakes" means
The term “juice brakes” is a colloquial reference to hydraulic braking systems, where brake fluid transmits the force from the pedal to the wheel brakes. It’s a historical phrase you’ll encounter in vintage car discussions and restoration forums.
Summary
Ford’s move from mechanical to hydraulic braking started with the 1927 Model A, with four-wheel hydraulic brakes becoming standard by the 1928 model year. This transition placed Ford among early adopters of hydraulic braking in mass-produced automobiles and marked a significant shift in the company’s approach to vehicle safety and performance.
When did Ford stop using mechanical brakes?
1939 was the first year for hydraulic brakes for Ford and these were a bolt on replacement. These less common "wide pattern" wheels were fitted to Fords between 1936 and 1939, before being replaced with standard style steel wheels that, interestingly enough, had the same bolt pattern as the 1929-1935 wire wheels.
What year did Ford switch to hydraulic brakes?
1939
1939: Ford Finally Adopts Hydraulic Brakes. Change often came at a leisurely pace at the Ford Motor Company in the '30s, but in 1939 the company finally embraced hydraulic brakes.
Why do Ford still use drum brakes?
Since automakers are always looking for ways to keep production costs down, many choose to install drum brakes in the rear to save money without compromising overall braking performance.
What are juice brakes?
A hydraulic brake booster unit--Hydro-Boost--uses hydraulic pressure from the power steering system, to help the motorist apply the brakes.
