Question
1940 Master Deluxe
My stock 1940 Chevy's brakes on the front and rear hubs (pass. side) are dragging. It's like they are not releasing fully. I pulled one of the hubs and backed off the adjustment a few clicks and they still are dragging. This (restored) chevy has been not driven for about 8 months.Any help is most appreciated, Thanks...
AnswerBeautiful and very well-built car, John...
Needs driving more often if possible.
You need to put some clamps on the front hoses, pull both drums and let the fluid drain. remove the shoes, springs, hold downs, and drum separators and clean everything thoroughly with brake-cleaner or lacquer thinner and a rag.
Check the springs and make sure they're not going soft, and be sure that there is a dab of Lubriplate (don't use wheel bearing grease!) on the backing plate contact points.
While it's apart, have a look at your wheel cylinders, clean and hone them if necessary--there could be some corrosion starting. Make sure the cups and seals are good. If the cylinders are South American made, the rubber can perish in short order.
After everything's in order, button it up, top off the fluid, bleed the system and top off again. Adjust the shoes and test drive.
Basically it's an inspection and minor overhaul, but still only a Saturday afternoon's easy work, and you'll know it's been done right!
--Paul
