IML: Confriming a brake question or two

[joestill1@xxxxxxxxxxx (Joe)]

I recently rebuilt the master cylinder on the 1961 Imperial, bled the brakes, adjusted the shoes, etc., all according to the service manual.  With that background, I need some confirmation on the following:

 

1)  After the rebuild, I have a very firm brake pedal, which is good.  However, I don't have much stopping power without pumping the pedal.  I suspect I didn't get the brakes bled correctly because if I am reading the stuff on the site correctly and based on past experience, this is classic "air in the lines."  Correct?  Missing something here?

 

2)  Sort of not related to the master cylinder replacement:  When I pedal the brakes, especially stopped at a light, engine idle gets more rough.  Again, if I am reading the "stuff" on the site correctly, there is a vacuum leak somewhere, likely at the brake booster, possibly at the check valve, also possibly somewhere else in the vacuum system.  Vacuum leak causes poor engine idle, correct?  Missing something here?

 

Y'all have a great Thanksgiving!

 

--
Joe
Allen, Texas
'61 4D Crown Southampton
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1961/JoeStill/index.htm