54 Brake Woes

harry54

I parked my a 54 sedan 2 yrs ago with the parking brake on. Went to move it and it's won't move. I released the brake but car still won't move. I jacked up the rear wheels and removed one wheel. The trans engauges but only loads up the rear axle. It seems as if the brake shoes are rusted to the drum. Any suggestions ?

Unknown

Hi there, try backing off the star wheel adjuster and tap lightly around the drum.

harry54

I did try that but to no avail.... any other suggestions ?

1

Unknown

How about lubing your parking brake cable from dash to drums?

Geoff

You have learned the hard way not to leave the hand brake on for any length of time. The same thing happens regularly with clutches, if the enquiries on the forum are anything to go by. If parking the car up, wedge the clutch pedal down, and leave the brake off. However, this is not going to solve your immediate problem. I can only suggest that that you try some heat, and more hammering around the drum. the heat should expand the drum slightly and help loosen the rust. You will just have to keep at it until it finally busts loose. Dave's suggestion is good as well, as the cable could be stuck inside the conduit - remove the pin at the front and check that the cables are free inside. Good luck,

Geoff.

[Deleted User]

If the brake shoes are rusted to the drums you can try this; remove the big anchor pin nut 15/16" on the back of the backing plate which releases the brake shoes and springs into the drum, pull the drum and clean everything up and start again. Save you banging the crap out of everything to free it.

Unknown

51hornetA wrote:

If the brake shoes are rusted to the drums you can try this; remove the big anchor pin nut 15/16" on the back of the backing plate which releases the brake shoes and springs into the drum, pull the drum and clean everything up and start again. Save you banging the crap out of everything to free it.

And exactly what's wrong with banging the crap out of everything? :rolleyes:

harry54

Thanks all , I'll let you know how it works out....

Geoff

51hornetA wrote:

If the brake shoes are rusted to the drums you can try this; remove the big anchor pin nut 15/16" on the back of the backing plate which releases the brake shoes and springs into the drum, pull the drum and clean everything up and start again. Save you banging the crap out of everything to free it.

There is a slight problem with just undoing the anchor pin - the shoes are held in position by the pins that go through the backing plate, and also the hand brake connection to the rear shoe. You will have to mangle things a bit to get the drums off with these parts attached.

Geoff.

[Deleted User]

I've done this a few times and never mangled anything using this procedure as have others on this site. Which just goes to prove there is more than one way to skin a cat.