I have a problem. My truck is leaking brake fluid in 3 locations, the MC, and from both sides on the rear axle. I have been using this truck to haul off debris from a house I took down. This last time as I was getting ready to take a load to the dump, I checked the brakes, the pedal went to the floor with no resistance. I checked the fluid and the reservoir was empty so I filled it up and tried pumping the pedal a bit, but nothing changed. I saw that the level went down a bit so I added some more fluid and gave the pedal some more pumps. This time the pedal started to feel just a smidge more firm but then quit coming back up. I traced down all the lines and noticed the three leaks, the MC leak is slow compared to the rear (drive) axle. Both sides were dripping pretty good. I assume the wheel cylinders need replaced. I have never worked on a truck this big before and a buddy tried to tell me that it would be a big job and that I probably shouldn't tackle it myself and should pay someone else to do it. I like to do my own work, what's the hardest part of this job? What are your thoughts/advice?
Hy OldSkoolRedneck, I think you could do the brake system overhaul, but be aware that the components are large and heavy. Some special tools make the job go easier, but there are other methods. Hydraulic brake systems in the seventies were changing and sometimes it can be difficult to determine just exactly what you have and what you need to replace/repair. I would strongly suggest you replace all the hard(steel) lines and the flex(rubber) lines as well as all components that need replacing. Ask whatever questions you have and we will do our best to guide you through the process, good luck.
Oldschool Redneck Would do my own work,If oil seals are not leaking would try not to disturb them by remuving the drums if possible. If that works wouldn't fill the differential with gear oil leave it 1/2 inch below the fill hole,when level and cold. That will keep from asking so much of the seals,little awkward working around the hubs,however brakes soaked with gear oil are no fun !!
Thanks for the advice, I think it's going to be a long process for me, though. Between all the other projects I have right now and the weather, I might not get as much time as I would like. But we will see how it goes. And I will definitely be asking questions as I go along.
Hey guys, I got some time to start working on things today, just after the tornado warning. I jacked it up and pulled the wheels off, but that's as far as I got. I am stumped. I have never worked on anything like this and have no idea how to tear any of it apart. I didn't see anyway that I could access the wheel cylinders without removing the drum, but can't figure out how to remove it.
You have to remove the bolts on the end of the hub and pull the plate or axle. Then you can remove the bearing nut and pull the hub and drum off as a unit.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
OK, that makes sense to me but I has that cap off and was confused about how to pull anything. In the center the is a threaded hole, do I thread something into it to be able to pull it out? I should have taken a picture of that too. And do you have any idea what size that bearing nut is? I should have a socket to fit it but I'm not sure.
