1963 self adjusting drum brakes

[Douglas G.]

Is it possible for the brakes to over adjust causing drag or seizing? I recently had the right rear brake drag to the point where I had to manually back off the adjuster to free up the wheel.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

I don't think so. If they get sticky, they are more likely not to adjust when necessary. They should be cleaned and lubricated with a dry lubricant like graphite whenever the shoes are changed.

Check the parking brake cables. They can get sticky and cause the rear brakes to drag.

Duke

[Jack U.]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

According to my mechanic, given the right conditions and the particular malfunctioning part, it could lock up the wheel.

I had a similar problem recently where the slightest pressure on the brake pedal, locked up the front left wheel (car pulling to the right). It was in effect adjusting continuously.

[Mike McKown]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

I don't see any way the brakes could over adjust assuming you have the regular standard production drum brakes. A good guess is you have a wheel sylinder sticking on the wheel in question and is holding the shoe extended.

[Chris Patrick]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

A long time ago, in a car world of drum brakes, I remember people having issues with the automatic adjusters overtightening. Usually it could be traced to other problems in the brake system, such as bent parts in the attachments so that the adjuster could move further than the shoe could so it would basically adjust the shoe up tight. I think the cylinder sticking on one side could do it also, in that the adjuster was getting more travel than justified because the shoe set was moving off center to the drum.

[Chris Patrick]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

I think the basic design was such that it was very possible, but in normal driving, the adjuster only worked when backing and since there is such a small percentage of backing compared to going forward, the normal wear of the shoes offset the amount of the adjustment so that they would not overtighten.

Now today with a trailer or garage queen, driven easy everywhere, especially if using the newer brake pad materials that do not wear as rapidly, you could overtighten without any mechanical failure.

[Douglas G.]

Re: 1963 self adjusting drum brakes

Thanks for all the help.It is great to know that there are a great number of knowledgeable people who are able to provide advice and suggestions.