Brake problem

[shales]

Merry Christmas everybody, I hope I can say that . Anyway I am asking for some advise on my brake problem . The brakes are real touchy by that I mean very sensitive . They are power drum brakes and you you barely touch the brake pedal and the car stops . It seems the front brakes are receiving more pressure than the back ones . May be the pressure regular valve . Any ideas . I don't drive it in the snow but if I had to the brakes would surely lock up . Appreciate any comments .

Steven

 

[Fratzog]

Assume that you've checked reservoir levels in MC and bled everything?

 

[Clover]

You have seeping wheel cylinders and/or grease seals and the shoes and drums are oil contaminated. It might not look that bad, but this is the usual cause of your symptoms. New seals, shoes and turn the drums and you'll be good.

 

[Adebrea]

I agree with clover, may be an oil leak in a drum. if you check all of them and they are dry and there are no broken springs or worn out brake shoes then it's most likely a problem with the brake booster.

 

[shales]

No it is not the wheel cylinder or oil leak if it was any of them the single wheel would grab and maybe lock up , all wheels are real touchy . Could be the vacuum booster also . Thanks for your comments and thoughts

 

[bluefury361]

A couple things to look at .... Proper brake adjustment ...... rear flexable brake hose. May not be allowing the fluid to release pressure immediately, same for the front flex hoses.
comtaminated brake fluid.

 

[Clover]

It could be the booster if there is absolutely no contamination, but contamination is not always so obvious. If the shoes are dry as a bone with no glazing, then replace the booster. If there is ANY evidence of glazing and ANY evidence of the seals leaking just a little bit, then do what I said before: seals, shoes, turn/replace drums.

 

[BillGrissom]

I had similar touchy brakes soon after I bought my 65 Newport. It was a failing booster and a new one fixed it. I think what happens is the diaphragm develops a crack and doesn't give any assist until the crack closes and then it comes on hard. I had similar experience with a 60's GM company car years ago. It would almost throw you thru the windshield.

It could also be gummy stuff on the shoes, like brake fluid, as mentioned. You discount this by saying "equal all wheels", so I am guessing you didn't pull a wheel and inspect your brakes. We could speculate all day, but there are some basic tasks you need to do.