Re: [FWDLK] Brake problems

[Ross Klein <tailfins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I had a similar problemwith my '56 Imperial recently, only it was the left
rear that locked-up after sitting only about an hour or so. I was able to
free it up by "rocking" the car gently back and forth, but then had a very
low brake pedal. After bleeding and adjusting four times, the brakes seem to
be OK now. I love all my old cars, both MoPars and non, but the "push and
pray" brake systems of yesteryear leave a bit to be desired for sure!

Ross Klein
'56 Imperial sedan (push & pray brakes)
'60 DeSoto Adventurer ( "   " )
'63 Pontiac Catalina 9-pass. Safari (much better brakes, but not great)
'69 Cadillac convert. (very good, considering it weighs 4700 lbs!)
'72 VW Super Beetle (adequate, but then how fast can it go?)
'73 Chrysler NYer Brougham (Excellent brake system)
'78 Chrysler NYer Brougham (The BEST!)
'Life's too short to drive 'ordinary' cars"
----- Original Message -----
From: "goiola" <goiola@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:47 PM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Brake problems


> Don't know if you have a specific problem or not, but in my opinion and
> experience this is a common occurence.  I have 2 - 59 Plymouths and this
has
> happened on both.  The first time it happened I was in a parking lot just
> barely crawling along and when I hit the brake I almost went thru
> windshield, scared me to death.  I discoverd that it wouldn,t do that on
the
> road at a higher speed.  When I got home I took off front left tire and
drum
> and fiddled around with the 2 adjusters (readjusted brakes according to
> service manual instr) and it was ok after that.  But in the spring when
> taking it out of hibernation the front left acts funny until driven a
little
> bit.  Now on my other 59  the front left locked up recently but this was
due
> to thin shoe linings and bad brake drum, I think.  They looked bad so I
> changed both and its been ok ever since.  A friend I know has a 59 and
just
> the other day he told me about his front left locking up.  I gave him the
> AAJ info on disc brakes and thats the route he's taking.  On your car, I'd
> readjust the brakes and drive it more.   John Z
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andrew Goodney <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Thursday, October 25, 2001 9:24 PM
> Subject: [FWDLK] Brake problems
>
>
> >Hello all:
> >
> >My roommates and I have a 1956 Chrysler New Yorker. This is my first
chance
> >at owning a classic car, and I'm hoping this list (great reading BTW,
even
> >though I haven't had anything to contribute) can help with a problem
we're
> >having with our front brakes.
> >
> >I'll describe the problem like this.
> >
> >1. Brakes work fine
> >2. One day brakes lock up on left from wheel, forward direction only.
> >3. Check fluids, etc. Adjust brake cams.
> >4. Brakes work!
> >5. Repeat.
> >
> >We've had the whole wheel assembly apart. The drums look fine, and the
> shoes
> >are fairly new. The problem seems to occur after the car has sat for a
few
> >days.
> >
> >So what do you think? I'm looking for any pointers or ideas you might
have.
> >
> >Thanks a lot-
> >-Andrew Goodney
> >
> >'56 New Yorker
> >