Brakes drum brake trouble

[Magnet86]

Great advice, all, many thanks. They are a challenge but as stated, not too complicated. I managed to get the thing to a garage simply because of my work schedule and lack of experience. All the hardware was replaced as well as shoes and drums. But the parking brake was ignored and when I went to use it, it wouldn't release. So after a few months I found another garage as the first one was WAY too slow- four weeks to get the car back. The new garage and mechanic was able to free up the drum- its the left side that grabs and sticks. But somehow without using the parking brake, after three red lights, bingo- its dragging heavy again. I plan to check it out tomorrow morning and see what the problem might be. And I have all the right tools. When I had it back together in May, it all seemd too loose- everything rotated around a bit and if I didn't know better, I'd say something is missing. I'll compare the right side which works fine. Not sure how the regular brake isn't releasing- I watched it work just fine at the garage. I can live without the parking brake for a spell. And the idea of going to four wheel discs is very appealing right now. Despite my complaints, the car runs well but I haven't used it much this year. I'd love to take it for a spin for a few minutes, rust and all. I'll keep at it.
Cheers.

 

[gkomo]

I can't justify thousands of dollars for repair when it will only fetch maybe 6 grand when done.

Ah, you can't look at these cars this way. They should be fun hobbies, and hobbies cost money that typically you won't get a return on. If it becomes not 'fun' anymore (big picture, not individual jobs/fixes) is when you should throw in the towel.

 

[Magnet86]

Yeah, I know. Its a labor of love. Had it since '98. I'll keep it but each year the repair costs will probably go up.

On that note, I managed to check out the brakes this morning. The parking brake isn't the problem now. Seems the new wheel cylinder piston doesn't retract. So after three or four pumps on the pedal the brake shoe is stuck against the drum. I managed to get it back to normal so I can drive it to the shop. Don't have much time to do this anymore. Plus its in the driveway but in a pinch I can try. I bought the drum rebuild kit from LMR and had it all installed back in the spring. Maybe the wheel cylinder is bad? Guess its replaceable. Maybe the mechanic forgot to bleed the brakes when done? Hard to say. Maybe it will be fixed for a few drives before winter sets in. But fixable and not 'throw in the towel' time.
M

 

[Willybill32]

Yeah, I know. Its a labor of love. Had it since '98. I'll keep it but each year the repair costs will probably go up.

On that note, I managed to check out the brakes this morning. The parking brake isn't the problem now. Seems the new wheel cylinder piston doesn't retract. So after three or four pumps on the pedal the brake shoe is stuck against the drum. I managed to get it back to normal so I can drive it to the shop. Don't have much time to do this anymore. Plus its in the driveway but in a pinch I can try. I bought the drum rebuild kit from LMR and had it all installed back in the spring. Maybe the wheel cylinder is bad? Guess its replaceable. Maybe the mechanic forgot to bleed the brakes when done? Hard to say. Maybe it will be fixed for a few drives before winter sets in. But fixable and not 'throw in the towel' time.
M

Gee…I got rid of my rear drums a long time ago and my memory isn’t that great anymore, but there should be two springs connecting the two shoes to the anchor pin just above the wheel cylinder. These springs should cause the wheel cylinder pistons to pull back into the housing when you release the brake pedal. Here’s the ‘86 drum brake from the ‘86 shop manual.

 

[limp]

 

[Magnet86]

I suppose the master cylinder could be on the fritz. But I suspect the left wheel cylinder was junk out of the box as the right side works just fine. So I'll find out in about two weeks when my schedule permits me to get this done. I'd love to go to rear discs but that's a little cost prohibitive now and I like originality. Drums work but can be a pain. Shall keep at it. Would love to find original brake cylinders.