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| | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 307 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 307 | I put on new wheel cylinders a few weeks ago on my 58 3400 step van. I have adjusted the pads to where the pads drag a bit, but not excessively. when I lower the tires back on the ground and put it in gear the front brakes lock. I suppose the weight of the van is causing the brakes to lock somehow. I would really appreciate any opinions on what could cause this. Thanks in advance.
1958 Chevy Grumman Olson step van
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 307 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 307 | I was doing research and wondered if it could be a bad wheel bearing and not the brakes at all.
1958 Chevy Grumman Olson step van
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Right, the wheel bearings might be set-up too loose?
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | Something moved when the truck set down on the ground. Wheel bearing can do that. Spindle and back plate should move as one piece, wheel and drum should move as one piece. That only leaves the wheel bearing as a question. but, the wheel cylinder is bolted to the backing plate. The backing plate is bolted to the spindle, and, the brake shoes pivot on the pivot that is bolted to the back plate. Look for any movement at those places as well. A last thought, spindle to drum, any movement here will be an issue as well.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,761 | Adjust the wheel bearing preload first, then the brakes. Bendix brakes need to be tightened until there's a firm drag (not locked up) when the wheel is turned, then back the adjusting wheel off one turn. (10 clicks of the starwheel) Feeling or listening for drag is a lost cause, since the brake shoes float at the bottom, and once you start loosening the adjustment there's no way to keep them centered.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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