So my new to me 1951 4400 appears to have sticking brakes. If I step on the brake, put it in gear and release the brake and let the clutch out to begin to drive it and then press the clutch in, it will come a stop quickly without stepping on the brake pedal. I have the rear jacked up now and when I step on the brake pedal, the brakes do engage and I cannot turn or spin the rear wheels at all. When the brake pedal is released, I still can't spin them but after some amount of time, they will turn again. I did have the front drums off and noticed that there appears to be what looks like never seize on the moving parts of brake shoes. This silvery stuff is now hardened and I can see where it has been banked up from the moving parts and smeared where the parts slide over each other. I am thinking somebody with good intentions put it on there when the new brake lines were added some years ago - probably before 2004 since that is the last time the truck was registered for the road. But then I don't really know if that kind of stuff should be there or not. I am new to the big bolt thing and have never worked on one before so don't really know what to expect but would guess that these parts should be dry. I am going to attempt to pull the rear wheels and drums today and take a look. Also, when I did the brakes on my 1950 3600, I was able to get the rubber adjustment port plugs from somewhere but have not been able to find them in any of the catalogs yet. Anybody know where to get those? Thanks for any help on this!
I would check the adjustment nut on the threaded push rod of your master cylinder and make sure that the play in it is as stated in the service manuals. I don't have mine in front of me right now, so someone will beat me to the punch with that information.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
How old is the soft line going to the tee at the rear axle which feeds the rear brake lines? The diameter of the hole in that line is tiny and they are known to collapse and act like a one way valve, causing your issue. You can crack a bleeder on one of the wheel cylinders to see if that frees up both rear wheels. If it frees up the wheels, replace the soft line.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
I got one drum off today with a bit of effort and things inside look very good considering. Weather permitting I will get the other one off tomorrow and check the master cylinder adjustment.
All the brake lines have been replaced somewhat recently - perhaps the early part of this century. The soft lines are flexible and fresh looking and obviously not original.
The right side wheels and drum came off much easier than the left side did. All looks good inside except for one of the springs that provides the click when adjusting the wheel cylinders was broken. Is it a bad idea to run without this? I imagine it is a hard part to find.
