Brake problems

I have rebuilt the brakes on my 1960 S11. New drums, shoes, pipes, MC and 1 new wheel cylinder. We have bleed the brakes and they work. Initially, the pedal bite was almost on the floor.

We have now done about 100miles. When in use the front drums get very hot and the peddle pressure gets firmer and the bite is very near the top of the pedal travel and the brakes bind. Rear drums dont appear to get hot.

When they cool down the peddle pressure is still very firm but the bite comes on about 1/3 of the way down.

Your thoughts, comments and fixes are much appreciated. Cheers.

Sounds like you need to back off front adjusters.

... Or adjust the push rod on the master cylinder ...

You didn't mention the adjusters either one or two per wheel (depending on whether its a long wheelbase).

The adjusters look like a 1/2" bolt head on the back. Jack up each wheel and spin, if they don't spin back off adjusters until they do. then gradually tighten until they just start to drag then back off 1/16 of a turn or a click if they still click.

Some are reversed and will suddenly tighten if you back off too far, they should start to bite gradually.

sounds like your front ones are too tight and your back ones too slack.

Many thanks for comments and advice, I will keep tinkering.

Better still download the service manual and have a quick read - doesn't take long and easy to understand....it might be somebody else you squish if the brakes don't work!

Oldseadog said:

... Or adjust the push rod on the master cylinder ...

Click to expand...

seconded

If the brakes lock on after the thing has been driven its usually that the master cylinder operating rod is adjusted too tight. There must be a small amount of slack to allow the master cylinder piston to return fully - releasing the valve which allows communication with the reservoir. If not - fluid expands - can't get to reservoir - so puts brakes on.

hi
replace the return springs in the fron brakes.

master cylinder pushrod for sure.

Have adjusted MC push rod and the brakes are working fine. Thanks for your comments