Reply To: When did Pierce Arror acquire hydraulic brakes?

[Luke Dwyer]

Good question on why Packard waited so long. The Packard 120’s which came out as early as 1935 had hydraulics.

Perhaps it was a general philosophy of not using a technology unless it was thoroughly proven to be safe and reliable and better than what was currently used. Packard mechanical brakes really are very good when adjusted properly. It’s easy to see why there was no pressing need for a new brake system. But after other similar-class cars went that route it was becoming an embarrassment that Packard did not.

Myself, I don’t like hydraulic brakes. Calipers rust, brake lines rust, hydraulic fluid needs to be changed. . . And one little leak then all four brakes fail. Even on my 2004 Toyota truck, I’ve had brake problems that I would never have had if they were mechanical.

Written on my kerosene-powered computer. . .

— Luke