steering problem

[Lawrie]

As I have posted I have been away in my 28 pickup, way out in the sticks, it went like a dream , but I had a self inflicted problem and gave myself one huge fright.
I have been driving since I was 13 yrs and never had a scare like this,
My A had developed a small issue with the brakes while away, not serious, but enough to annoy me, they squealed some times and in the morning when cold they juddered on the first few stops.
I thought ,I have only to use them a few times as there is no cities out here, and would look at them when I got home.BAD idea.
So doing 50 MPH on a narrow country road in amongst 3 and four trailer fuel semis, I call the driver behind me and tell him I will look for a spot to pull over and let him pass, seeing an entrance to a farm I indicate, start to turn in ,apply the brakes and a HUGE bang, next thing I'm nearly sideways in front of the truck, I get off the brakes and try to get into the driveway ,cut the corner and skid to a halt with brakes seemingly locked on.
After a coffee ,And underwear check. I have a look , left front brake rod is still pulling on, and the brake is locked on,
I back it off and have a look underneath and inside the brake drum, but nothing looks out of place , so gingerly We head off ,but man is it hard to keep straight.
750 ks later I'm home, so get it up on the stands and this is what I find
Loose perch on the left hand side ,even though the nut was still pinned.axle bent and twisted, the radius rod on the left side bent and twisted, perch bolt looks like it was loose in the taper on the radius rod.
So Im in the process of fitting my spares, nice checked axle, radius rod ,new perches ,etc.
Lesson, never drive with brakes that are not 100 %.
I think what happened was as I applied the brakes , the axle moved in the perch area and this then pulled the brakes full on on that side and looked it on,
Up until then my A was a pleasure to drive, steered lovely .brakes great,
Now I have a pile of mangled parts on the floor.
Lawrie