Hello Group -
I have been having consistent problems with the right
front brake dragging, grabbing and overheating on my
1957 300C for over two years. Virtually ALL brake
components are either NEW (master cylinder, flexible
lines, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, fluid) or
thoroughly refurbished (drums). Even after meticulously
adjusting the brakes, after driving for barely 1/4 mile,
after applying the brakes from only 35 mph, the RF
shoe(s) apparently do not pull back fully when pedal is
released: the car pulls violently to
the right when brakes are applied - a full lane change
and nearly yanking the steering wheel from my hands!
There is no evidence of fluid leakage anywhere, so I
don't suspect a wet brake lining, although I have not
yet taken the drum off to inspect. I suspect a broken
or weak return spring (maybe plural) is to blame,
although everything looked fine when reassembled a
couple years (and barely 200 miles) ago. Clear
evidence: After driving only five miles at highway
speed and only two gentle brake applications (turns to
get onto highway), I coasted to a stop on the shoulder
and checked brake drum temperature through the wire
wheels with an IR temp gun. All three other drums
showed ~110 degrees (90 degrees ambient temp), while the
RF drum was 220 degrees - it must be dragging!
I want to be prepared to replace those two RF springs
when I take the car in for that brake service. The only
springs I can find are from Andy Burnbaum for $96/set of
8 for front and rear brakes; the rear brakes (and LF
brake) work fine, so I don't need those extra springs
unless I have to. Does anyone have a PAIR of new or
known good return springs for the FRONT brakes on my
"C", and how much do you want for them?
Related question: I've seen some conflicting advice on
how those front return springs attach to the shoe: some
say the hook on the spring should go to the"loop", while
others say it should go to the nearby "hole" to get a
more straight-back pull, whereas hooking to the "loop"
might induce a "cocking" effect and increased drag as
the shoe slides between the plates when withdrawn. What
is the experience and collective wisdom among you?
Any other ideas about what could be causing my problem?
This radical "pull" is dangerous and drastically limits
my driving, so I really need to fix this once and for
all!
Ray Melton Las Cruces, NM 1957 Chrysler 300C cvt
3N572517 white/Gauguin "Big Red"
BTW,
what is the preferred email address?
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