Brakes

Lee ODell
Lee ODell Senior Contributor
edited February 2011 in HUDSON
I haven't checked the brakes since I bought my 52 Hornet last Oct. The car was starting to pull left while driving and more so when I stepped on the brakes. After jacking it up and putting axle stands under the car, the left front wheel was hard to turn. I backed off the adjusting star to remove the brake drum. The lining looked almost new, the springs looked new but when I started to pull back the wheel cyliinder cup, brake fluid wanted to drip out.
I crawled under to check the master cylinder. Good thing I did, there was a drop of brake fluid ready to drip off.
I have ordered 4 wheel cylinders. a master cylinder, 3 brake hoses and all grease seals (front and rear).
Tomorrow I'll check why the parking brake was not holding and inspect the other three brake shoes and mic the brake drums if it doesn't rain.
Boy, it is getting harder to crawl under a car and getting back up. But somebody has to do it, ME. Bettie said she will come out and watch for moral support. I think she wants to make sure I finish the job. Ha Ha.
We'll see how it all plays out.

Lee O'Dell

PS. I forgot to mention there is a 1/2 inch chunk of brake lining that broke off the secondary shoe and I ordered new brake shoes also. I think the lining broke because the anchor pin was not adjusted properly. Too much pressure on the upper part of the secondary shoe. The brake shoes were still dragging after backing off the star adjuster 30 clicks.

Comments

  • kamzack
    kamzack Senior Contributor
    Replacing the hoses alone will stop the pull to one side. Hose can look new on the outside, can deteriorated inside. It can work like a check valve, let fluid to the wheel cyclinder, but not let it return. I know this from experience. I was once about 1000 miles from home in a 49 Commodore when a front wheel all but locked up and the hose was the problem. Also encourage buying American made hoses, not off shore mfged. This also came from an unplanned event with brakes.
    Kim
  • Lee. you have my tech books. So go to page 15 in volume two and read the story on brakes. Do the correct job, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake shoes and the 3 fluid flex hoses. Then every 3 years, flush the system with new brake fluid and you will never have any problems. My wheel cylinders, master cylinder and brake hose are now 12 years old and still operate like new. Changed the shoes twice in 134,000 miles. Talk to Norm Blackmer for your parts. Walt.
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    Lee,
    I followed Walt's advice and have been asked if I have power brakes! I do have the parts but not installed as yet. I also used silicone brake fluid as it doesn't absorbe moisture. Take your time and do a great job.
    Bruce
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    Kamzack,

    You brought up a very good point about deteriorated brake hoses. I've seen that many times in my shop doing brakes jobs. I've also seen good looking (12 -15 year old) hoses swell like a ballon. These are reasons why I always replace brake hoses with U.S, made hoses along with every thing else, including brake springs. With all the heat, springs have to deal with they loose their tension.

    I should have done this 4 months ago. After 15 years, brake hoses are living on borrowed time. There will be some disagreement on that but I've seen it and I'd rather be safe than maybe sorry later.

    It's raining today and predicted for tommorrow. Sunday suppose to be sunny but the NHRA Winternatiionals will be visited by 4 of us. Will be back on the brake job Monday. I hope the brake drums mic OK.

    Have a good day, Lee O'Dell
  • Snailslayer
    Snailslayer Expert Adviser
    Hey Lee,
    post some pics of your brake job to help out us rookies! also, the supplier for the brake parts you use is also helpful. Ill take rain over 12" of snow any day Lee!

    thanks

    Brad
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited February 2011
    Walt,

    I've had your books for a few years. Every one should have copies of their own. There is information there that can not be found in any repair manual. I highly recommend them. I had already made a copy of page 15 and added it to my Mechanical Procedure Manual. Very good brake information there. Also, I shared that information with other brake shops near me.

    Fortunately for me, my shoes are the Hudson shoes. I am doing just as you recommend, replacing everything. I vary from your recommendation slightly. I flush the brake system every 2 years and replace the brake hoses after 15 year of use for reasons mentioned in previous post.

    We must be on the same wave link. I ordered the brake parts from Norm yesterday and they should arrive next week.

    The secondary braking system on Hudsons is new to me so I'll be checking that out very carefully. I now that works good because when the brake fluid leaked out it stopped quicker than I thought it would. It just took more pedal pressure. I was impressed how well it stopped a big heavy Hornet.

    Thanks for the books. They have answered many other service procedures very clearly.

    Lee O'Dell
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    edited February 2011
    Bruce,

    Thanks for your endorsement of Walt. I've found him to be a wealth of useful informatiomn.

    Something else I'll be looking for, will be any damaged or rusty brake lines.

    I must mention that silicone does not prevent condensation in the brake system, it does not collect as rapidly as regular brake fluid.

    I realize silicone brake fluid is the choice of many, and many have had no problems using it. I fault no one for using it.

    I do not want a debate on the pro's and con's of its us on this post please. It's use has been hashed over many times in previous posts.

    I want to share my reasons I will not use it.

    First. At my shop on the wall was a chart showing all the workings of the different braking systems for the customers to see. At the bottom of the chart was information three auto manufacturers, Ford, Chrysler, and GM. In bold print both Ford and GM stated: DO NOT USE DOT5 SILICONE BRAKE FLUID.

    Second. Althought most have not had a problem using silicone brake fluid, there have been some. We had 2 customers who switched to silicone somewhere else against our recommendatioon and had braking problems at hi altitude. When they came to the shop to check out the problem the brakes worked perfectly. I learned from a mechanical new article that silicone brake fluid can airiate at high altitude. Replacing all the hydrolic parts and using regular brake fluid took care of their problem.

    Those are a couple of reasons I do not use Dot 5 silicone brake fluid.

    Many are very satisfied with its use. So I hope we will leave it at that.

    If my brakes work as good as yours I'll be happyl

    Have a very good day. Lee O'Dell
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    Hello Brad,

    I'll be glad to take some pictures for you.

    I ordered the brake parts from our CIC chapter Club Store Manager Norm Blackmer.
    909-984-5544

    Thanks for asking, have a great day.

    Lee O'Dell
  • You can not use dot 5 unless you flush the system good. With all lines, steel lines disconnected, spray brakekleen in each line and blow out fluid with air pressure. Must do 3 or 4 times in each line. Will not mix with dot 3 or 4. Like I told Lee, I have 134,000 miles since I did my brakes, flush every 3 years, and inside the master cylinder still looks new. Here is the problem, when they have the car serviced, they don't mention it's dot 5 and they add dot 3, there lies the problem. I drive my car at 10 to 15 thousands altitude, and brakes work just like at sea level. Walt.
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