Brake locking up

HELP!!! The right front brake one my '51 dodge Wayfarer keeps locking up,I barely have to tap the pedal and it does it.I've replaced both wheel cylinders with NOS units and brake lines.Could there be a problem at the master? Thanks Rich

 

Yes, I would at least look there. Check your shoes for fluid?

 

Thanks, no fluid on the shoes.SHould I be looking for a clog? When that ****er locks up I have to put it in reverse to unlock it. Rich

 

If having to put into reverse and not screw with the pedal. Look at you adjusters inside the drums. They on right? Too tight? The reverse part says more mechanical then fluid.

 

Thanks,I'll check that.Sometimes you just need a new perspective.Rich

 

Check the length on the lining on the brake shoes.
Primary shoes are shorter,and a softer compound.
You should have one long and one short per side with self energizing brakes.

The short shoe usually goes on the front.

If you have two long ones on the left,and two short ones on the right,
that would do it.

 

Okay,thanks I'll check.Rich

 

might also look at the backing plate where the shoes "slide" if theres an adge or groove one shoe might be getting hung up. just grind it smooth and apply light amount of lube so they slide.
Also check your hard lines going to that side...I had a pinched line on a harley once that drove me crazy....it acted just like a check valve...you could apply brakes and ride but after awhile they would heat up and lock up as the fluid expanded...let it set and cool down and it was rideable again....really ****ed.

 

did you replace the rubber flex lines also? Sometimes they can have a sliver of rubber inside that will act as a check valve and cause problems as described.