Rear Brakes

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dbest1904
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Rear Brakes

Post by dbest1904 »

Hi everyone!

Recently bought a minor convertible and am currently working though a (seemingly endless) list of jobs on it.

However am having a bit of an issue with the rear brakes.

They seem to be binding and the handbrake only just holds. On further inspection, the brake adjuster is tightened as far as it will go, effectively locking the rear wheels, yet the handbrake only just holds. So i slackened off the adjusters so that the rear wheels would turn reasonable freely, however by doing this the rear brakes when applied would not lock the drum, and the handbrake would only just lock the drum (however no where near enough to hold it on a hill). Pumping the brake with the drum off, and putting on and releasing the hand brake seemed to have no noticeable effect on moving the shoes.

The fact that both the rear brakes AND the handbrake seem to do very little makes me wonder whether the wheel cylinders are to blame? Or the possibility of air in the system, although both rear brakes are the same and the front brakes are working perfectly. The parts look to be all new which is making doubt the wheel cylinders, but i'm a bit stumped as to what it could be, bar taking it all apart anyway. It does all looks to have been put together properly.

Be interesting to see what everyone's thoughts are.

Thanks in advance :D
liammonty
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Re: Rear Brakes

Post by liammonty »

Agreed it does sound like the wheel cylinders, but don't discount the rear flexi-hose which could have collapsed internally and be restricting fluid.
JOWETTJAVELIN
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Re: Rear Brakes

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

I think you'll have to take the drum off and inspect. I can't remember if the wheel cylinders are meant to slide on the backplate or not, but there are some terrible reproduction parts about. No doubt the oracle will soon be along to set us straight.
andypocock
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Re: Rear Brakes

Post by andypocock »

Release the handbrake cables' tension by undoing the nuts inside the car. Now see if you can adjust the rear shoes and get a good brake. If not pull the drums and see what's wrong.

If you do get the foot brake working well on the rear adjust the handbrake until that too functions.

Don't try doing both at the same time.

Andy
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