The Ford Barn

[email protected] · 09-13-2023, 12:43 PM

New to me Fordor -- just got it delivered. Brakes were "stuck" and got it home (several hundred feet from drop off). Put up on jacks and each wheel was turning with slight resistance in each revolution: I could feel/hear the slight resistance each time the wheel came around. Went to back car out of garage, touched brakes and everything seemed to "lock up." Thoughts? Do I need to back off the adjuters? Is it something else?

Richard Knight · 09-13-2023, 12:48 PM

Sounds like it is time to pull the drums and see what you bought!

[email protected] · 09-13-2023, 12:57 PM

Is there anything in particular to look for or try when I pull the drums?

Curtis in MA · 09-13-2023, 04:44 PM

Your brakes seem to go out but then not retract.
Could be a broken spring but most likely brake dust and grease has hardened not allowing the shoes to return.
Just clean good and put back together.

Oldgearz · 09-13-2023, 05:35 PM

First thing would be a GOOD cleanup......then a "wear" inventory. The brakes on these cars can be an eternal source of frustration. A grab here....a screech there.... chatter everywhere. Adding new parts doesn't always provide the desired results. Just keep at it and do a lot of reading. A search will provide lots of info. Bottom line is these brakes will never compare to hydraulics....remember they were made to stop a car that probably averaged under 35 MPH over its life.

Charlie Stephens · 09-13-2023, 06:13 PM

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You probably already know this but get a good puller (like the reproduction KRW) for the rear drums. Short cuts can be very expensive. Maybe a local club has one to loan?

Charlie Stephens

09-13-2023, 12:43 PM	#1
[email protected] Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Essex, CT Posts: 39	Sticking Brakes New to me Fordor -- just got it delivered. Brakes were "stuck" and got it home (several hundred feet from drop off). Put up on jacks and each wheel was turning with slight resistance in each revolution: I could feel/hear the slight resistance each time the wheel came around. Went to back car out of garage, touched brakes and everything seemed to "lock up." Thoughts? Do I need to back off the adjuters? Is it something else? __________________ Kevin Essex, CT

09-13-2023, 12:48 PM	#2
Richard Knight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 130	Re: Sticking Brakes Sounds like it is time to pull the drums and see what you bought!

09-13-2023, 12:57 PM	#3
[email protected] Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Essex, CT Posts: 39	Re: Sticking Brakes Is there anything in particular to look for or try when I pull the drums? __________________ Kevin Essex, CT

09-13-2023, 04:44 PM	#4
Curtis in MA Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Leicester, MA Posts: 296	Re: Sticking Brakes Your brakes seem to go out but then not retract. Could be a broken spring but most likely brake dust and grease has hardened not allowing the shoes to return. Just clean good and put back together.

09-13-2023, 05:35 PM	#5
Oldgearz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Sagle, Idaho Posts: 359	Re: Sticking Brakes First thing would be a GOOD cleanup......then a "wear" inventory. The brakes on these cars can be an eternal source of frustration. A grab here....a screech there.... chatter everywhere. Adding new parts doesn't always provide the desired results. Just keep at it and do a lot of reading. A search will provide lots of info. Bottom line is these brakes will never compare to hydraulics....remember they were made to stop a car that probably averaged under 35 MPH over its life.

09-13-2023, 06:13 PM	#6
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,033	Re: Sticking Brakes Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You probably already know this but get a good puller (like the reproduction KRW) for the rear drums. Short cuts can be very expensive. Maybe a local club has one to loan? Charlie Stephens