Brake problems on my '86!

[palmaceae]

OK, about ready to give up, I replaced the pads on the rear drums on my '86 GT because they were worn and were squeaking. I replaced the pads, the hardware and the wheel cylinder. The problem I am having now is the drivers side squeaks when I first apply the brakes, but when you press the pedal further down the squeak stops. But I can feel both rears grabbing and the drums gets real hot, plus you can smell the pads burning, and the pedal feels a bit mushy when they get hot. I have everything installed correctly and adjusted, like I mentioned above everything has been replaced in the back and the drums look good. Can this be caused by a bad distribution valve, master cylinder or hoses? That is the only thing other then the brake lines that have not been replaced. What would make the rears grab, what am I missing?
Thank you,

 

[Aryan15]

I would replace the master cylinder with a decent brand name. I bought a rebuild and the front brakes only worked. Opposite of your problem. I bought a wagner and its works fine.

 

[stang&2Birds]

First, drums brakes have *shoes*.
Disk brakes have *pads*.

It will take a while for the drums and shoes to work into each other. They have slightly different arcs. Give them a week or so.

You may also have a problem with your SUPER MEGA POS front WORTHLESS disk brakes. Not, that I have anything against the DEATH TRAP WORTHLESS brakes on pre-87's or anything.

 

[palmaceae]

First, drums brakes have *shoes*.
Disk brakes have *pads*.

It will take a while for the drums and shoes to work into each other. They have slightly different arcs. Give them a week or so.

You may also have a problem with your SUPER MEGA POS front WORTHLESS disk brakes. Not, that I have anything against the DEATH TRAP WORTHLESS brakes on pre-87's or anything.

I agree they are called shoes, did not even think when I typed it, I was in a hurry at work! It's been over a week, not getting better. I have replaced disc and drum brakes many times over the years, never had this issue. I am very familiar with drums since my '68 has 4 wheel drums. One day I may replace the system to all disc, but for now I just want to fix this problem.

 

[Mustang78]

sounds like the slider pins need a little grease, did you put the stuff on the back of the front pads before installing?? its supposed to helpa gainst squeaking.. there might also be a spring which separates the pads up front but i dont think so..if there is it will help the squeaking, if you want better brakes on the cheap look for a setup off of a 87+ mustang, hubs, spindles, rotors, calipers, struts, etc.. i paid 150 for mine, along with ceramic front pads(work great but need to build up some heat before they're effective), and a master cylinder reman from an 85 lincoln towncar(i think, you might want to double check that) which has a piston thats almost 1/4" bigger than the stocker..it was like 30 bucks, also a 87+ brake booster has dual diaphrams vs. the 79-86 single diaphram unit, that should help also i just havent put mine on yet, PM me if you have any questions, i've messed with these stock brakes quite a bit

~Mark~

~Mark~

 

[stang&2Birds]

When is the last time you replaced the front pads and rotors?

It "could" be a bad MC. The piston for the front chamber may be leaky. You may also have air in the system (up front). Or, the rubber hoses to the calipers may be old and swell when the brakes are applied.

 

[palmaceae]

sounds like the slider pins need a little grease, did you put the stuff on the back of the front pads before installing?? its supposed to helpa gainst squeaking.. there might also be a spring which separates the pads up front but i dont think so..if there is it will help the squeaking, if you want better brakes on the cheap look for a setup off of a 87+ mustang, hubs, spindles, rotors, calipers, struts, etc.. i paid 150 for mine, along with ceramic front pads(work great but need to build up some heat before they're effective), and a master cylinder reman from an 85 lincoln towncar(i think, you might want to double check that) which has a piston thats almost 1/4" bigger than the stocker..it was like 30 bucks, also a 87+ brake booster has dual diaphrams vs. the 79-86 single diaphram unit, that should help also i just havent put mine on yet, PM me if you have any questions, i've messed with these stock brakes quite a bit

~Mark~

~Mark~

The problem is with the rear drums, I wrote pads but meant brake shoes in the back. That is a great idea about replacing with the parts you mentioned, I will look into that. Thank you

 

[palmaceae]

When is the last time you replaced the front pads and rotors?

It "could" be a bad MC. The piston for the front chamber may be leaky. You may also have air in the system (up front). Or, the rubber hoses to the calipers may be old and swell when the brakes are applied.

I replaced the fronts last year. I did bled all the way around when I replaced the shoes in the back. I thought about the hoses, but would this cause the shoes to grab? I am going to replace them anyway. Also would a leaking MC cause this issue, I would think it would cause other symptoms then grabbing?
Thank you