[Yan_Jin]

So i have my 87 mustang on blocks because im redoing the brakes all around. I start it, put it in gear, and look to make sure everything is ok. A noise that i had heard before comes and i think i once again put the drum brakes on wrong.

Looking at the wheels as they spin the left one is spinning away, but the right one is not turning. That brake is tighter but it seems to be struggling to move at all, even revving and in fifth gear.

It would seem to me that something is very, very wrong.

I turned the drums manually (after stopping the car), the left turns the driveshaft, but the right sort of shakes it.

My mechanic had noticed a axle seal leak on the right rear, but nothing else.

So whats wrong here?

[wv109323]

I don't think anything is wrong. Turn the right wheel ( with transmission in park or hold driveshaft )and the left wheel should turn in the reverse direction the same amount, if the car has a non-slip rear differential. Repeat on left side.

[Mac The Knife]

At the moment, nuthin, just that the brakes are dragging on the drum on the right side,,, that and the leaky seal. If the differential gears were bad, you would have known it before you started your brake job. Now as for the leaky seal,,, It needs to be replaced, and the wheel bearings checked, and if you do one side, you may as well do the other. all that leaking gear lube is getting on your brake shoes, and making the other side work harder causing frequent brake jobs. Check the bearings, since if they are going, that may be why the seal is leaking.

[Yan_Jin]

Originally Posted by Mac The Knife

At the moment, nuthin, just that the brakes are dragging on the drum on the right side,,, that and the leaky seal. If the differential gears were bad, you would have known it before you started your brake job. Now as for the leaky seal,,, It needs to be replaced, and the wheel bearings checked, and if you do one side, you may as well do the other. all that leaking gear lube is getting on your brake shoes, and making the other side work harder causing frequent brake jobs. Check the bearings, since if they are going, that may be why the seal is leaking.

Thanks for the advice, but my only question is: isnt even an 88hp engine strong enough to over power the brake drag? Unless only the left side pushes the car...

I mean i turn the left side and the driveshaft turns, but the right side it doesnt move the driveshaft.

Im planning a long trip so im just dotting my I's and crossing my T's

[speedytang]

Everything is working correctly. A open diff puts power to the wheel with the least amount of resistance. It takes nothing at all for drag to put the power to the other wheel.

[GeorgiaLX]

Just a one wheeler set up in working order. Youll be fine