Rear Brake Adjustment

[BigDave LM6174]

I took my 52 HJ out for a nice drive and it ran and stopped great.  However, when I returned, I could smell the rear brakes.  I jacked it up, and found the rear brakes are out of adjustment, and I can't seem to adjust them to not drag like they are.  I have the shop manual and I adjusted them just fne a few months ago.  Any suggestions why I can't loosen them and get them to stop dragging?  It is as if the emergency Brake is on, but it is releasing. 

[Terry T]

sounds like the cylinders partially stuck

[Fid]

Partially stuck cylinders will cause that problem. Do you drive the car regularly?  HJ wheel cylinders have iron sleeves and aluminum pistons so they do gum up if the car sits for long periods. I don't think yours does though...  mine sit all winter and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't. More often than not it doesn't and we have more severe temp/humidity extremes here than where you are. Check the cylinders is all I can suggest.

[BigDave LM6174]

Yes, drive car as a second daily driver since I finished putting it together.  I have secure parking at work so I drive it more than I should with the insurance.   Heck, I even leave it unlocked at work.

When I went through the brakes, I did rebuild kits on the rear.  Maybe I didn't do so good.  I see new centric cylinders on eBay, may just order rear set and see if that's the problem.  Thanks guys

[Corsairdeluxe]

Whats best. When I use a new wheel or master cylinder, I disassemble and wash the protective oil off with fresh brake fluid. Is this best or should I just install as is.I have had a lot of problems over the years with wheel cylinders seizing. I started fushing the brakes each year and that made a big difference.

[Terry T]

I'm on the other side.

I get a new cylinder... install it...drive it...put the car away for winter..drive it next year

No problems for 6 years!!

[joncon]

I have a 72 Chevy truck I rebuilt the brakes on in 84 and used silicone brake fluid. The truck had 68,000 miles on it.  It now has 74,000 miles. So it sits a lot, often years at a time. The brakes have always worked great with no problems . I plan on changing my Henry J to silicone fluid this summer.

[retired wrench]

If the bleeders will turn open one and see if this helps, you could have a rubber brake line gone bad.

[Fid]

That's a good point retired wrench. Dave, did you replace the brake hoses? The originals shrivel up and block the flow of fluid which could cause the shoes not to retract. There are replacements available at NAPA. I see those ones from Argentina advertised on ebay all the time for less but I'm not ready to trust them. When it comes to my brakes, especially with a single reservoir master cylinder, I want to be sure I have good parts!

[BigDave LM6174]

Another thing I will check out, thanks for tips.  Napa dropped off the new wheel cylinders.  With three kids I need to focus on Christmas first.  Lol

[BigDave LM6174]

I replaced both rear cylinders, and the rear hose.  Both rear wheel cylinders were stuck.  I completely flushed my entire brake system.  The HJ Stops great now!

[Fid]

Great news Dave. Now drive it and enjoy it! (I'm sure you already are)