The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Brake problem on '46 1/2 ton

Some of you may have followed the thread where I've been getting new axles for my '46 after a rear bearing failure. Got the new bearing retainer, bearing, oil seal and axles installed w/o a problem. I've replaced the shoes on both sides with new.

Here's the problem: On the driver's side the rear links that hold the shoe to the pivot point aren't tight. Hard to describe, but you can wiggle the shoe on the link because the hole in the link with the small spring is worn, I think. The other links on the other 3 shoes are tight. Leads me to conclude I need new links and maybe a new pin. Anybody run into this?

Also, I'm finding that I've got to back the wheel cylinders off all the way just to get the drum on. Wondering if this has to do with the wobbly shoe.

Looking for parts, but putting this here also because I could use some advice. Thanks

http://s456.photobucket.com/user/blastenpene/media/46%20Chev/Brake%20COMP%20.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

I can't comment on the main problem you're having, but if you're having to back the shoe adjustment all the way off just to get the drum on, then it sounds to me like your drums are worn out (must be a sizable lip on them).

No, not at all - they're in good shape. It seems like the shoes have too thick a pad on them, but I can't imagine that's so. On Huck rears you can only back the wheel cylinder off so far before the emergency brake rod bottoms out and keeps the shoes from moving any closer together. Drum is a snug fit. Got new brake links and pins coming for the driver's side and will see if that fixes it - had some wobble from worn links on the rear shoe. Might be causing an alignment issue.

You need to back the emerg. brake adjustment up or check for a frozen cable. It shouldn't hold the shoe from the stop.

Many thanks to Jerry for supplying some good links and new pins and springs. All back together and back on the road. Couldn't have hit it better - getting to be 70 in the afternoons - or 75; Perfect driving weather. Bearing failure was last Thanksgiving - that long to find parts (never would have but for this site). Thanks to all who helped out on getting this fixed.

Final score: two NOS axles, NOS bearing retainer, new bearing, new oil seal, new brake shoes and fastening hardware, rebuild kit for left rear wheel cylinder.

Parts - $400 Labor $0 = big smile

David Bush, Congrats on your major resto / repair. $400 dollars seems like quite a bargain for this major repair on a 70 year old truck. Those NOS axles were quite a nice find ! Nice to hear it's back on the road.

George
'54 3600

Where were you able to find the outer axle seals for the rear? Thanks!

NAPA has them and so does O'Reilly's. The O'Reilly's ones were cheaper - about $18. NAPA wanted $32 for theirs.

Hey, Big Tee,

Haven't had time to mess with the truck recently until today. Here are 2 manufacturers of oil seals that will fit your truck.

http://s456.photobucket.com/user/blastenpene/media/46%20Chev/DSC_0155.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

Thank you David!