[mrchris]

I have a '68 Stang, v-8 (built) with original drum brakes all the way around. My problem is the front brakes are locked up, frozen up, and I can't figure it out. Over the fall, I replaced the mechanical parts, cylinder kits, after having on-going problems getting the right front one adjusted right (it kept grabbing hard, even after re-adjusting). Now, after sitting for the winter, the front brakes are locked, frozen still, and I've tried rocking it back and forth with no luck. Anybody had this, or similar problems, and can steer me in the right direction??? mrmrschris@myactv.net

[GTS 5.7]

I once had the rear brakes on mine lock up while parked-it ended up being a shoe that had come loose from the hardware and somehow jammed between some other parts and the drum

[fastbck65]

I would go ahead and replace the whole cylinder or hone it out. I know you have put cylinder kits on it. If you didn't hone the cylinders out then the installation was useless. The cylinder walls get pitted with age and the pistons stick bad. I only had one wheel that worked when I drove my '73 home for the first time. Wild ride!

Jack it up and take a 50lb sledge hammer shot to it and it should free up.

[The Greek]

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This moisture will cause the aluminum wheel cylinder pistons to corrode along with the iron in the cylinders. The pistons sieze. As previously stated, either replace the cylinders or rebuild them if you can. The rebuild kits cost almost as much as new cylinders.

Since this is a safety issue I wouldn't take a chance with a rebuild, buy new cylinders. Also any amount of grease or brake fluid on the shoe lining surfaces will cause the brake to grab when they are applied. --- Chuck