Time to revisit my brake problem. Last year I replaced my front brake lines, wheel cylinders and shoes had the drums turned and bleed the brakes with 3 pints of fluid. I am pretty sure the back brakes are stopping the car with allmost no help from the front. I wanted to replace the master cyl. but did not because of the rod that goes to the pedal does not come on a reman master cyl. for manual brakes, the parts store people told me I could not remove the rod and I can't find one that comes with it attached. Can someone tell me how to replace my manual drum brake master cyl.? Thanks Pete
I just had a look at a manual master that I have on the shelf which confirms that parts guys should stick to just selling parts. The rod can be removed and reused. Carefully pull back the rubber boot and there is a small "tab" (sort of looks like 2 small lines) which you may have to pry the center part out slightly and the rod will come off. When you put it on the new master just tap the small "tab" back into the groove on the master and reinstall in the car. For help on things like this, find the oldest mechanic in town and he'd probably be more than happy to give you a hand with your car.
Thanks Gerry, I'll try that later. Right now I have to go out and help my wife do yard work but hey at least that means cruzin time is finally here Pete
Yeah, the guy needs to stick to collecting money for parts. What do you mean by the back brakes are stopping the car without much help from the front? The front brakes stop the car, and as an average, you wear 2 sets of front shoes for one set of back. If the back brakes stop the car, the tail end will slide around. To get an idea of back brake stopping, find a large and empty parking lot without any obstructions, and use the parking brake. Be ready to countersteer. Or better yet, practice your James Bond turn arounds. I knew a NUT who, by using the parking brake, could reverse directions on the road without going under 30 mph.
After doing all the work mentioned above the brakes don't work nearly as well as before I replaced all the parts. When slowly going down a hill covered in sand or leaves I can here the back brakes locking up sometimes.That is why I think the back brakes are doing most or all the stopping but I am no brake expert by any means. I posted this problem last year and got advice on how to check many things and did not find anything out of the ordinary. Pete
Hey Pete, I am located in mass. if you want to set up a time I am sure we could sort out your brake problem. I was a mechanic for 20 years and into first Gens. longer than that. Or I could give you detailed advice over the phone. let me know if I can help.
fbc, that is a nice offer! I am originally from mass myself. The motor is out of the car and I won't get it back until next Saturday. Sometime after that I can drive up there. I'll send you a private message. Pete