C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

[Jimmy J.]

I have adjusted my 59 brakes by the C1 service manual. The right front wheel grabs in forward or reverse and pulls to the right. I have tried re-adjusting the front wheels but I can not overcome this right pull. Thanks in adavance. Jimmy

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

More likely that it is not right pull, but left not braking adequately--is anything (fluid/grease) on either side? Perhaps a crimped/deteriorated front hose one or or both sides.

[Dave Suesz]

[Greg S.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

I had the same problem once in spring after winter storage. I re-bled front brakes and the problem went away. May have been water or a bubble at the left brake that made it less effective. Might try re-bleeding.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

I had this problem on a '56 Belaire several years ago and I had the drums turned and it solved the problem. Obviously there was a high spot on the drum that caused the wheel to lock up. Hope this helps.
Jeff

[Tom B.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

The last time I had my '59 out around the block it did this. It had set for years except for the occasional around the block trip. I determined that the left front cylinder was stuck and not activating at all. It was easy to lock up the right front with the left just rolling along for the ride. I haven't tore it apart yet to determine if I'm correct but a total brake refurbish is in the works before it sees the road again.

[Tom B.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

Have you tried jacking up the left front to see if you can spin the wheel with the brake pedal depressed?

[Art B.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

It's possible that your brake shoes on that wheel got fluid on them from a cylinder leak sometime in the past. My '61 had that happen and it tends to pull toward that side. If that is the case, you probably should replace the shoes.

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 Front Wheel Grabs when Brakes are applied

I had a similar problem on my 60. I applied the brake and the car would pull hard to the right. After jacking up my car, I pulled all the drums off and inspected each wheel cylinder and found that the front right wheel cylinder had grey greasey stuff under the rubber boot. The rest of the wheel cylinders were dry and clean. I replaced both front wheel cylinders, hoses, new brake pads all around and all the brake H/W (springs and such)and reinstall drums adjusted brakes bleed the whole system of fluid and put in synthetic fluid. Everything works fine now. Hope this helps :-)