Hey there,
I’m seeking advice on brakes that are grabbing/pulling. Sometimes to the left sometimes to the right.
Took the FB to the mechanic who replaced all wheel cylinder cups and adjusted the brakes. The problem of grabbing/pulling was still there. Took the FB back and the brakes were readjusted but still didn’t fix it. Now the mechanic is saying the drums need machining but this was only done a year ago. The FB is driven everyday. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Stewart
Brakes
-
parisian62
- Posts: 3996
- Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 2:19 pm
- State: NSW
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Brakes
it may be the flex hoses on the end of the brake lines. These can swell on the inside with age and restrict the flow of fluid
If the hoses are very old then just replace them as you seem to have tried everthing else
If this fixes the problem ....find another mechanic
If the hoses are very old then just replace them as you seem to have tried everthing else
If this fixes the problem ....find another mechanic
Hi Guys.
Unfortunately, when the old Holden front drum brakes get hot, they warp. This is worse if they are driven hard, & it's why disc brakes are far superior.
I'm not suggesting just to go out, spend up big & convert to disc brakes, I love all Holdens in the original & untouched form.
Firstly, go to somebody who understands old cars (especially old Holdens). Just because a workshop is a brake specialist, doesn't mean they know about brakes on old cars.
Your drums will be warped & will need machining, get them measured to make sure there is enough 'meat' `left' to do this. 0.060" oversized brake shoes are available, but drums machined to this this oversize will not take as much punishment as standard sized drums. Also, make sure the linings are not contaminated with oil etc & are in good condition. Replace them with something of quality, just as you would with disc pads. Also, get the linings 'radiused' to suit the drum & make sure the leading edge is 'chamfered'. All of these are normal service items for drum braked cars, but younger mechanics, brought up on a diet of 4 wheel disc brakes will not be farmiliar with them.
As ekvan suggested, make sure the hydaulic hoses are not restricted, this is common on older cars, & make sure all the hydraulics are in good order.
If you live in Sydney, I can do this for, if not ask somebody in your car club.
Dr Terry.
Unfortunately, when the old Holden front drum brakes get hot, they warp. This is worse if they are driven hard, & it's why disc brakes are far superior.
I'm not suggesting just to go out, spend up big & convert to disc brakes, I love all Holdens in the original & untouched form.
Firstly, go to somebody who understands old cars (especially old Holdens). Just because a workshop is a brake specialist, doesn't mean they know about brakes on old cars.
Your drums will be warped & will need machining, get them measured to make sure there is enough 'meat' `left' to do this. 0.060" oversized brake shoes are available, but drums machined to this this oversize will not take as much punishment as standard sized drums. Also, make sure the linings are not contaminated with oil etc & are in good condition. Replace them with something of quality, just as you would with disc pads. Also, get the linings 'radiused' to suit the drum & make sure the leading edge is 'chamfered'. All of these are normal service items for drum braked cars, but younger mechanics, brought up on a diet of 4 wheel disc brakes will not be farmiliar with them.
As ekvan suggested, make sure the hydaulic hoses are not restricted, this is common on older cars, & make sure all the hydraulics are in good order.
If you live in Sydney, I can do this for, if not ask somebody in your car club.
Dr Terry.
-
parisian62
- Posts: 3996
- Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 2:19 pm
- State: NSW
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Something else to look out for when your brakes are pulling to 1 side........check that both the front wheel bearings are adjusted correctly (maybe repack them while you're at it). If one is looser than the other it can affesct your brakes by pulling to one side or by exaggerating brake shudder.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Graham
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Graham