63 drum brake problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 100
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From: Knoxville Tennessee
63 drum brake problem
I have a 63 vette with the original drum brakes all around. The previous owner replaced all the lines, steel and rubber, shoes, hardware, wheel cylinders, and I replaced the master cylinder. My problem is the left rear brake does not seem to fully release. The shoes do not seem to return fully to the pin at the top of the backing plate when the pedal is released. I thought there may be an obstruction in the line or wheel cylinder, so I removed the wheel cylinder and cleaned it out. I guess my next step would be to replace the wheel cylinder and see what that does. Any thoughts?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 178
Likes: 58
From: Jersey Shore NJ
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by tk63vt
I have a 63 vette with the original drum brakes all around. The previous owner replaced all the lines, steel and rubber, shoes, hardware, wheel cylinders, and I replaced the master cylinder. My problem is the left rear brake does not seem to fully release. The shoes do not seem to return fully to the pin at the top of the backing plate when the pedal is released. I thought there may be an obstruction in the line or wheel cylinder, so I removed the wheel cylinder and cleaned it out. I guess my next step would be to replace the wheel cylinder and see what that does. Any thoughts?
Ant
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
Originally Posted by Birdman63
A colapsed brake line could be the problem
Ant
Ant
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 32
From: Sarasota Florida
Hello
I had a similar problem and I replaced the emergency brake cables..I bought a correct from inline tube...installation not too bad now my emergency brake works pretty good...Plus no more dragging on the rear drum drivers side
Pete
I had a similar problem and I replaced the emergency brake cables..I bought a correct from inline tube...installation not too bad now my emergency brake works pretty good...Plus no more dragging on the rear drum drivers side
Pete
Originally Posted by tk63vt
I have a 63 vette with the original drum brakes all around. The previous owner replaced all the lines, steel and rubber, shoes, hardware, wheel cylinders, and I replaced the master cylinder. My problem is the left rear brake does not seem to fully release. The shoes do not seem to return fully to the pin at the top of the backing plate when the pedal is released. I thought there may be an obstruction in the line or wheel cylinder, so I removed the wheel cylinder and cleaned it out. I guess my next step would be to replace the wheel cylinder and see what that does. Any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 289
From: Ocala FL
Originally Posted by GCD1962
That would affect both wheels then as there is only one rubber line at the rear. I would check the emergency brake, maybe the cable on that side is rusted up some preventing a full return
If the IRS is still there, then there are two rubber lines, just like any other Corvette '63 to 82.
New hoses sometimes want to kink and not install like originals. It is possible that it is kinking and lets pressure in but not out. Or there could be a collapsed line or foreign material in the line.
Also, check the rub blocks on the backing plate. These are supposed to be greased so the shoe moves freely and be sure that the shoes rest on the backing plate, not bear into it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,984
Likes: 185
From: CT
Shows I don't know much about the '63s! But yes check the hose as they do separate inside, you can not detect this from the outside by looking at the hose - just replace it. The collapse starts slow with only a little drag, but I had one that eventually locked the brakes up tight
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,468
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From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Also make sure the return springs are installed in the correct location for each spring, the two springs ARE different. The gray spring is the primary, the black is the secondary.
Doug
Doug
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