Brakes

[Mgicm]

So I am getting in a 53 3100. Seller said brakes dont work. How would I best go about diagnosing the issue or getting them to work. Not that familiar with the older vehicles setup with drum brakes. Any tips or suggestions? thanks

[OrrieG]

Check for full master cylinder. If full you will either have pedal or not. If no pedal (goes to floor quickly or slowly when pressure is applied) MC needs rebuilt, easy task and kits are available. Also check backing plates and bottom of drums for fluid leaking for wheel cylinders. If MC is good and after some pumps the fluid level drops you need to bleed the brakes (do a search for a tutorial).

Jack the truck up on stands. As helper pushes the pedal rotate wheels and see if they stop. If they do good. If not might just need adjusted. The wheel cylinder star adjusters are located behind an oblong hole in the backing plate or drum (can't remember you will need to find a diagram). Adjust them up to where they just start to drag. In the old days we adjusted them when the infamous double pump to stop started. If you are lucky MC is good and just needed adjustment.

If you cannot adjust them (adjuster frozen) you need to pull the drums (good idea anyway on vehicle that has been sitting) one at a time. I used a long wood working clamp to limit shoe movement while partner pushes the pedal to see if the wheel cylinder is working so the wheel cylinder piston does not pop out of the cylinder.

If it is and there are no leaks (will be obvious) check for other binding and amount of material left on the shoes. If questionable replace. Also check for glazing, look hard and shiney. Some 80 grit sandpaper will usually remove any glaze (from over heating) to get shoes working again. Check drum for damage. Also look under the axle for axle seal leaking. If the wheel cylinder is leaking, rebuild or replace, bleed the system and continue.

Brakes on these are not rocket science they were designed to be fixed by a farmer in his barn. If you can find a year appropriate Motor Manual they have a great section on diagnosis and brake repair.

[MiraclePieCo]

On a vehicle that's been sitting, I just automatically replace the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders, then install fresh fluid, adjust and bleed. Usually fixes everything.