1957 -rear brake drum locked | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

1957 -rear brake drum locked

  • Thread starter Thread starter bblay
  • Start date Start date
B

bblay

Click here to upgrade
Reaction score
0
Thunderbird Year
1957
I am a new member. Have a 1957. My RR brake drum is locked. I have read the posts on this, which are helpful, but I would add another issue. I cannot push down on the brake pedal and get any movement. Could that contribute to a locked brake drum? I can't see how it could, but thought I would ask. Thanks in advance.

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 
bblay said:
I am a new member. Have a 1957. My RR brake drum is locked. I have read the posts on this, which are helpful, but I would add another issue. I cannot push down on the brake pedal and get any movement. Could that contribute to a locked brake drum? I can't see how it could, but thought I would ask. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Here are a couple possibilities that come to mind as far as the RR brake...
- someone put the emergency brake on and it's not releasing on that side. Possibly the cable is rusted up or the parts inside the brake drum have rusted up.
- the inside of the wheel cylinder has rusted up and the last time the brakes were applied and the pistons went out they locked up from the rust and are not releasing.
If you can't push down on the brake pedal and get any movement do you mean movement in the brake pedal or movement at the RR brake drum? If the brake pedal itself can't move that could be due to rust in the master cylinder, or a swollen hose between the MC and the frame distribution block.

It sounds like the whole brake system needs a good going thru.
 
Tom Alpers said:
Here are a couple possibilities that come to mind as far as the RR brake...
- someone put the emergency brake on and it's not releasing on that side. Possibly the cable is rusted up or the parts inside the brake drum have rusted up.
- the inside of the wheel cylinder has rusted up and the last time the brakes were applied and the pistons went out they locked up from the rust and are not releasing.
If you can't push down on the brake pedal and get any movement do you mean movement in the brake pedal or movement at the RR brake drum? If the brake pedal itself can't move that could be due to rust in the master cylinder, or a swollen hose between the MC and the frame distribution block.

It sounds like the whole brake system needs a good going thru.
Click to expand...
I push the brake pedal and can't get any movement in the pedal.

Thanks for your help.
 
I'd like to add something. I agree with everything said. You might try loosening the brake line at the master to bleed off enough to get a normal pedal. I that fies the problem and you can now move the vehicle, get to a place that knows your T-Bird and have them do a complete overhaul as previously recommended.
 
Im a new member I have just bought a 57 bird just getting started fixing Brakes: replaced MC because pedal would pump up then fade, now pedal pumps up and is solid but when pedal is released pedal goes to floor and has to be pumped again had system bled but still have same problem thoughts
 
Last edited:
bblay said:
I am a new member. Have a 1957. My RR brake drum is locked. I have read the posts on this, which are helpful, but I would add another issue. I cannot push down on the brake pedal and get any movement. Could that contribute to a locked brake drum? I can't see how it could, but thought I would ask. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you are getting good advice! If the emergency cables are tight going to the brakes, you should back off on the tension. Be sure to readjust after completing the job. There is an order in which the springs overlap on the top post. Someone might have installed them wrong! If you can, try turning the star inside the hub by using a brake adjuster. A flat screwdriver will work to loosen the brakes. Since you still have pressure on the brakes, you may have to open the bleeder valve to release the pressure. There could be a blockage in line. Make SURE you find out the problem before you drive it and have the brakes LOCK UP!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top