The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Front drum brake pull

My 46 is pulling to the Left badly. I have adjusted the brakes, cleaned the wheel cylinders in front, replaced lines in front and replaced fluids. Master cylinder has been replaced as well as rebuilt kits on cylinders within the last ten years. Pads have plenty of life. Any other ideas?

Is it pulling during braking only or all of the time?

Only when braking.

Both drums are the same diameter? Hoses are good? Tires are good?

Yes, the same diameter. I replaced the hoses. Was tracking fine before I let it sit for a year while working on the body. I thought maybe the fluid had gummed up the cylinder and hoses, so I cleaned the cylinder and replaced the hoses. Also adjusted the shoes several times. I assumed that maybe the passenger side brake was at fault but can't find anything. I'm lost now. Tires are brand new.

Hy Oldschooldude, Have you checked the rears as well? If you have two brakes working on one side of the vehicle, and only one working on the other side of the vehicle, you'll get a pull to the side with two functioning brakes, hope that helps.

Thanks. I thought of that and will be checking the rears in the morning. While there, I will replace the lines as well as cleaning the wheel cylinders.

You may want to also check out the linings and drums. Had rear wheel seals leak a lot of rear end 90w into the drums. Once I got the rear seal problem fixed and drums and linings cleaned, the brakes were much better. No pulling to either side after that either.

Was there any sign of leaking on the front brakes when you pulled it apart?
If any fluid has leaked on the shoes it will pull, even if cleaned.
In my experience rears do not cause much of a pulling problem.
You may still have air in the system.

There were no signs of leaks on the front. The wheel cylinders had rust and appeared to have a little moisture . Cleaned them up. Did not see anything on the pads or drums.

What did you use to clean the drums?