59' Brake Problem

[Chuck S.]

Hi,

I took my 59' out for the first time this year. When I applied the brakes, the right rear wheel locked up. This happened when I applied the brakes a bit harder than normal.

I adjusted the brakes at the beginning of last year and had no braking issues during the driving season.

Does this sound like adjustment, faulty wheel cylinder, broken spring, etc?

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Chuck Simons
# 26387

[Pat H.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

I'd be pulling the wheel off and checking the wheel cylinder. I remove each brake drum and bleed my every year before the driving season gets underway. This way you will see if there are any potential problems. This is part of my annual maintenance program.

[Tony M.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Chuck,
My 59 last summer had the same issue...at least I think so. The wheel would lock up even under light foot pressure. I purchased wheel cylinder/master cylinder/new pads but did not install yet. My other winter project took longer than expected. I plan on doing complete broke job soon. I could not figure out what the real issue is since no wheel cylnders leak???

I am curious to hear from our experts.

[John F.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Have you ever replaced the rubber brake hoses? If they are old they tend to swell with age and don't release the shoes unless they sit for awhile, and then lock up again.

[Tony M.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

John,
Thanks for the feedback...in my case I did not plan to replace hoses...but I might now!

[Domenic T.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Tony,
If the wheel releases from the lock up when you let off the brake then you need to bleed the other rear brake as it may not be working.

One brake not working on the rear doesn't cause the car to pull one way or the other and it is not easy to detect if you are doing normal driving.

Taking a look also is a good idea.

DOM

[Bill M.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

If a brake locks with less pedal pressure than normal, I would inspect the shoe and drum surfaces. I would sand them and re-try. Sounds like the friction of that interface is higher than it should be.

When asbestos was removed from shoes, there was a condition called "morning sickness." The first brake application in the morning would lock the rear drums with just a normal stop. Moisture (condensation) was causing the shoes to grab. I mention this because the only fix would be replacement of the shoes with a new compound.

[Tony M.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Bill,
Your explanantion of the problem is dead-on. I will replace pads and rebuild cylinders and give you feedback!

Thanks to all!

[Tony M.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Chuck,
Hope you also got the response/direction you needed. Sorry if I hijacked the post!

[Chuck S.]

Re: 59' Brake Problem

Guys,

Thanks to all for your input. I'll check out what was suggested and will post the results. Thanks again for the help.

Chuck Simons
# 26387