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1966 Fleetwood front brakes won't release.

Started by Mike Baillargeon #15848, October 25, 2016, 12:27:28 PM

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Mike Baillargeon #15848

I did an almost complete brake job.....all wheel cylinders,  all shoes,  all brake lines including the rubber lines.........bled everything.

Car doesn't pull to one side or the other...pedal pressure feels good but both front wheels are dragging badly and are very hot and smoking.

I opened up one of the front wheel bleeders and I expected to get a blast of pressure but just got a little flow of brake fluid.

What I didn't change was the master cylinder or the brake booster.

I'm guessing the master cylinder is my problem by not allowing fluid to go back to master reservoir upon release of brake pedal.

Thanks for any advice.

Mike

#15848
Mike
Baillargeon
#15848

Ralph Messina CLC 4937

Mike,

If you did not have this problem before your work I suspect the issue is with the front shoe adjustment. Try backing off the adjusters to lower the initial drag.
1966 Fleetwood Brougham-with a new caretaker http://bit.ly/1GCn8I4
1966 Eldorado-with a new caretaker  http://bit.ly/1OrxLoY
2018 GMC Yukon

savemy67

Hello Mike,

A couple of things to check:

The shoe with the longer lining goes toward the rear of the assembly; make sure the return springs are in the correct holes in the shoes (shop manual should have a photo).  Attached is a photo of my 67's right front;  make sure the shoes are not hanging-up on the backing plate - this area is subject to wear.

It is possible that your M/C failed while this job was being done, but that would be quite the coincidence.  As Ralph implied, if the brakes bled OK, the M/C is probably working properly.  Retrace your steps at the assembly of the front brakes.

Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Winter
Christopher Winter
1967 Sedan DeVille hardtop

Mike Baillargeon #15848

I think your right Ralph.

When the front rims cooled off I pulled the front tires and backed off the adjusters.

I always liked a little drag at all wheels but this car doesn't like that.

Took her out for a ride with alot of stop & goes at lights and stop signs and it seems to be fine now.  Front hubs are warm but not smoking.

Pedal travel is about 3/4 to 1 inch and will stop quickly with pressure.

Thanks Ralph...that was a winner!

Mike  #15848

 
Mike
Baillargeon
#15848

Mike Baillargeon #15848

I hear you Chris.

I just purchased this car and I always replace the new shoes & springs on just the way I found them.

Of course this assumes that the guy who did the last brake job put them on correctly.

I'll recheck with the manual, I think there is a picture of the front and rear brakes for the right side.

Your right side is what I was looking at today.

Thanks, Chris

Mike  #15848

Mike
Baillargeon
#15848

Ralph Messina CLC 4937

Mike,
QuoteI think your right Ralph.

When the front rims cooled off I pulled the front tires and backed off the adjusters.

I always liked a little drag at all wheels but this car doesn't like that.

You're welcome, but no genius on my part.....just paying some knowledge forward. I had a similar problem on my Eldorado and CLC member Greg Surfas explained that these brakes are only comfortable within a small range of drag.
1966 Fleetwood Brougham-with a new caretaker http://bit.ly/1GCn8I4
1966 Eldorado-with a new caretaker  http://bit.ly/1OrxLoY
2018 GMC Yukon