My 46 Babe

[My 46 Babe]

I have a restored 46 Dodge 1/2 ton PU.

My problem is that the two front wheels get locked seems like it has some residual pressure.

When I first get going the wheels are free to spin after driving or just pumping the brake pedal a few times

the brake shoes start dragging and the wheels are hard to turn.  I opened the drum and cleaned the dust

and debris wheel brake cylinders look clean and no leaks, both shoes are 10" long, the master cylinder looks 

like its original, don't know if it was given a rebuild kit.  The rubber lines going from the frame to the back of brake

plate seem new or replaced.

 

Q.  Are both brake pads supposed to be same length (10") on this year truck?

 

Q.  Could it be the master cylinder building up pressure and not releasing?

 

This residual pressure is affecting my brake lights as they stay on when I park the truck.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

inspect your master cylinder for blocked/restricted return passage...old lines can appear good from look but we cannot see the internal condition....a quick bleed of the wheel cylinder would tell you quickly if the line was restricted  AFTER checking the master return port hole...be sure also that the piston in the master is fully returning to the rear stop...often this can getting a bit of rust and hold brakes on a bit.....and besides you wish not to damage a seal when probing the return bleed hole...

[busycoupe]

To add to Plymotny's answer, you should check to make sure that there is about an inch of free play on your brake pedal. That will allow the piston in the master cylinder to retract far enough to clear the return port.