rcthunder

Here is the rundown...

Started smelling brakes a few rides gradually got worse and came home finally with smoke pouring out the RR. Changed wheel cylinder appeared to be fine. Then started up again last night 10 miles from home coming more out of LR. Both sides seemed hot though. Tried engaging parking brake few times... backing up... seemed to free. Couldn't idle and move forward/backward so knew was sticking. Something I did broke it free and got home OK (10 mile trip back) didn't get hot or smoke. Could the other cylinder be bad? Parking brake sticking? Seems intermittent. I drive the car a lot and is garaged kept. Front brakes don't seem to be involved at all. Hoping some veterans can help or have been here before. Thanks.

Mike

69mach1377

Yes, these are old cars and unless you've gone through and rebuilt the entire system you could have a safety issue. Don't get caught in a bad situation with bad brakes.

Starfury

I'd consider replacing the hardware. Cheap insurance, and often overlooked.

Depending upon your brake setup, there could also be an issue with the residual pressure valve, which is designed to keep a slight bit of pressure in the drum brake hydraulic system to reduce brake pedal travel.

guitarman376

Maybe a slightly warped drum, any vibrations? Once the drum is freed the warp can push the shoes/wheel cylinder in enough that even if you press the brakes while driving the shoes aren't really touching the drum. Lack of a residual pressure valve makes this worse. Have the shoe surfaces and related hardware been properly greased lately?

bop11

Did you take out the self adjusters? Or put them in backwards if that is possible?

barnett468

make sure the shoes are on the right way.

have someone slowly push n the brakes just a little while you watch them with the drums off to see if they are retracting properly.

yes the e brake cable could be stocking . i never use it.

you may als have them adjusted to tight

69mach1377

Well it's been about 3 weeks, OP. How about some feedback?