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Originally Posted by Muscle68Mustang Hey guys, I have a question about my drum brakes? Is it normal for me to have to put ALL my weight on the the brakes just to come to a stop!
Thanks & God Bless! |
For goodness sakes, no!
Did you check all of the usual suspect? Fluid level, any leaks (check the back sides of the tires for brake fluid from the wheel cylinders), brake shoe thickness (it doesn't stop well metal to metal). Beyond that, the starwheels should be confirmed to be installed correctly to self adjust (you need to use reverse once in a while) and the rest of the brake harware, including the return springs, need to be checked for proper placement and excessive wear. I've seen old return springs get pretty soft.
If the flexible brake hoses (one at each front wheel and one from the body to the axle in the rear) are soft and mushy or with visible cracks (dry rotting), replace them too as they are giving up brake pressure.
The master cylinder plunger could also be allowing fluid to get by it but that would probalby manifest itself in a pedal that gradually goes to the floor if you stay on it long enough, then the car would start drifting if you were on a hill
. Not a fun experience, let me tell ya'.
If you have power brakes, check the booster and check for the propper vacuum (I can't help with power brakes though, my only experience is with manual drums).
Lastly, check the pivot point for the brake pedal under the dash. That could cause a mis-allignment of the pedal to master cylinder rod and might change your pedal leverage.
One more thing, old water logged brake fluid compresses, causing a loss of pedal pressure. If the fluid is brown, flush the entire system with fresh brake fluid.
Good luck!
Drum brake help! 
