1962 chrysler new yorker brake problems

[paac]

i have a 1962 chrysler new yorker. when i go forward and hit the brakes the right front brake locks up. i have to put it in reverse to get it unlocked and then it goes down the road fine until i hit the brakes again. ive replaced the shoes, wheel cylinders, and brake hoses in front. this has the 4 wheel cylinders up front. ive gone over everything 4 times and cant get it to stop locking up. HELP

thanks
pete

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, the adjustment is critical on this type brake system. I would suggest one shoe is cocking and locking into the drum, look at the linings and you should see something, make sure the return springs are properly installed and not weak also. MY 55 New Yorker has a similar system and it is even more of a problem to adjust. Try backing down the adjustment on that wheel first and see what happens. With the drum off have someone step on the pedal just enough to move the shoes out and see how they move and return.

[MagicRat]

^^Good post.

Weak return springs will cause exactly the kind of dragging you describe.

I suggest you reinstall the shoes with all new springs. Weak return springs often still seem 'strong' when tested by hand when they really are not up to the job.
Also, make sure all the spots where the shoes rub on the backing plates are clean and free of rust, to prevent binding.

[paac]

If there is adjustment, how do you adjust. I dont see any way to adjust the set up. It has two wheel cyl. per side on the front brakes. By the looks of it, the hardware is new, shoes are new, and drum is in very good shape. We are at a loss??? Also how do you remove the rear drums???

[maxwedge]

Look at the back of the backing plate there should be 2 anchor bolt adjusting screws usually 7/16, I would also strongly suggest a shop manual here to familiarize yourself with a 45 year old car.

[RaeRae1]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Look at the back of the backing plate there shoyld be 2 anchor bolt adjusting screws usually 7/16, I would also strongly suggest a shop manual here to familiarize yourself with a 45 year old car.

I agree with maxwedge on the shop manual. They can be one of your most valuable resources.

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by paac

Also how do you remove the rear drums???

Are the drums stuck on?
If there is NO movement with the drum, then its probably rusted on to the hub. Some modest tapping with a hammer and some modest heat applied to the hub may free it up.

If the drum seems to wiggle a bit but just not come off, then the inside surface has probably become grooved and is hanging up on the shoes. If so, there is a little hole on the backing plate where you can insert a screwdriver and back off the adjuster wheel so the shoes come further away from the drum surface.

[bobss396]

Oh, you have the Chrysler Centerplane brake system. Those were always a joy to adjust, go with a good repair manual if you can find an old one. If you get stuck, PM me and I'll see what I can find. I have a few old Motors Manuals kicking around.

Bob