UPDATE... Post#19 Picked up a '59 Edsel the other day and im having an issue with the brakes that im hoping someone on here may know how to fix or have experienced it before. Ok, it has 4 wheel drums of course. Seem to have been gone through at one point prior to me purchasing (new w/cylinders, drums, shoes etc.)Even a few new brake lines. Heres my problem, when i brake it seems like they're not releasing right away. I hit the brakes, it slows, i release and its like i still have my foot on the brake then it seems as though it releases really slowly. This is not the first vehicle ive had with 4 wheel drums either. On my others just like they should when i took my foot off the brakes they released. Does anyone have any ideas about what could be causing the problem? Ive adjusted them and it didnt change anything. The brake fluid looks clean like its been changed recently. I do have an envelope with receipts for about $1600 worth of work done to the car and most of that was brakes but it was done in '06 if i remember right. The car hasnt really seen any road time i dont think since then. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks !!
jack up the car, and have someone step on the brake and then release it. then see if you can isolate the problem wheel or wheels. my guess it is one of the rears.
See if the rubber hoses are swelled inside and blocking the fluid from returning quickly. Like was said ,spin each wheel after someone releases the brake. If you find one or more that drag, then open the bleeder to see of pressure is still there. Then I'd suspect a rubber hose, if it's not all 4 dragging.
Is it the early Power booster type? Look at the brake pedal under the dash for the Bellows. It would also have a Vacuume can on the left inner fender panel. The Wizzard
F&J has the best answer to start with. Find out WHERE the prob is. If MC has had work done in that area check for freeplay at the pedal. If any of the flex hoses are old that may be a issue,also if the car has been sitting for several years the wheel cylinders may be sticking.
Check the backing plates to see if they have grooves worn in them that the shoes are hanging up on. I had a Galaxie once with a similar issue.
Ditto both the above. How old are wheel cyls, and master cyl ? Has the car sat in storage for any extended time ? 4TTRUK
Make sure the pedal has free play in it. The rod from the pedal to the back of the master may be too tight. Is this a power brake car? When it locks up, or gets sticky, reach down and pull back on the brake pedal, it should come back a little bit. If the car has been sitting, it pays to put it up on jack stands and go through everything from A-Z. Bob
X3 rubber lines -I'm amazed why they're always the last thing on the brake list, when they **** up as easily as the wheel cyls
The wrong brake fluid can do that. Some older systems have rubbers that swell on contact with modern fluids. Much like when somebody puts hydraulic oil in the master cylinder......I have had to fix several home tune-up disasters like that!
It's a manual system. No power. I also don't have much pedal travel either. I might have about an inch or two if I'm lucky. And in all my years of adjusting drum brakes I've always adjusted them until they just barely drag the drum. The front drums are hubs so I adjusted them until the just barely touched as I was spinning them. Am I right in doing this? I'll check onthe hoses and possibly pinched lines or something.
Just another thought: it's possible that the spring in the master cylinder is shot too. Wouldn't be my first guess, but it's a guess. The brake shoe return springs would be another thought. Hadn't thought about the rubber lines... Good suggestion on that one gents! Mike
I would pitch the rubber brake hoses and change the master since you probably don't know the pedigree of it. Maybe think of going to a dual master, but a new single would get you going for now. Bob
I'll try and check that tonight. Going to look at the repair invoice I have from '06 and see if mileage was written down somewhere so I can get an idea of how much it's been driven since. Previous owner said it sat for close to 30 years befor he got it. It had one front drum turned, one replaced, wheel cylinders rebuilt and possibly a brake line or two. Its a 60k mile car with a 302 swap. Like I said I'll check the receipt and see what else was done.
Ok i found the service invoice from '03. (thought it was '06) Says 3 drums turned, 2 new rear w/c, 2 w/c rebuild kits (im ***uming for the front), 1 new drum, 1 brake adjuster cable and brake fluid. Mileage was 62,688 when work was done and it now has 64,862. So, theres only been 2,200 miles put on the car since '03 So, i guess my next step is to try and isolate it to one of the 4 and hope its just one.
Its always advisable to replace brake components in pairs, like both front hoses for example. I would definitely do the master since its been sitting so long. Bob
F&J i believe you may have figured it out. I decided to just go ahead and change the front hoses for the shear fact that i have NO idea how old they are. Heres what i found... That hole is maybe 1/16" if its lucky. I also replaced the M/C with a dual reservoir '67 Mustang unit. only problem im having now is finding an adapter to put the Brake pressure swith back in line. I may have to just install a switch on the pedal or something. Anyone have any ideas on that ? Heres the car if anyone is interested prior to the work. While i had it apart i lowered it about 3"-4" front and back. Ill get some shots of it once i finish plumbing the brakes.
Well, 1/16" is small, but unless there is another spot that is almost closed up completely, it might not be the problem afterall. The hoses I have found swelled, are swelled enough that you can't blow through them. High pressure will, but not, say, 20 psi. All you can do, is give it a try.
I couldnt blow ANY air through either front lines until i cut it smaller. The front left wheel was the one that was hanging up on me. Didnt see any thing wrong with any of the parts or lines other than the hose that i replaced. Thanks for the advice !
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