Sparky73

Tomorrow, I am taking my 1980 Mustang out of storage. I live maybe.. 5 miles from the storage unit, so it's not that long of a drive.

The rear axle seal leaks and I need to get it fixed, but I will do the repairs at my house. Now, my question is, with the rear brakes sticking/locking up from the rear end leak.. am I safe the drive the car those 5 or so miles? If not.. what would you suggest for a QUICK solution?

I'd really like to get in and get out ASAP so I can get back and start working on it. The only ideas I have so far are the follow:

-Jack up the car and remove the rear shoes and hardware. I will be putting all new brakes on it after the leak is fixed, so this is no problem for me. Plus your fronts do about 75% of the stopping anyway.

-Get some brake cleaner and just clean the shoes and drums. I assume the leak isn't bad enough where I couldn't make it home.

-Drive it like it is. I really wish I could do this, but what are my chances of the brakes locking up when I have to stop? Is this dangerous, or will it just be like it is now.. where you have to give it a decent amount of gas to get going?

Any tips and/or suggestions would be great. I am going out there first thing in the morning, so please if anyone has ever been in a situation like this.. what'd you do? Or what would you do?

Thanks, Jon

jwog666

i wouldnt take the shoes off and drive it due to the fact that the wheel cylinder pistons will pop out of the bores when you apply the brakes, then you will have no brakes due to the massive leak. you could remove the rear wheels and drums and back the starwheel adjuster down a bit so that the rear brakes wont grab as much. i would drive it carefully to your house braking early and gently. if they lock up and dont want to release try backing up a few feet and then pulling forward again. dont forget to change the springs when you change the shoes and seals, its cheap insurance.

meansteedagt2004

I 2nd that!!

mjr46

tow the car.

mjr46

tow the car.