Brake system pressurizing

CSArno

CSArno

Senior Member
A few times now I have taken my '49 F1 for a ride and the brakes were fine out of a cool garage but as things warm up, the brake system pressurizes so much that the brake switch is activated and the brakes drag. I have loosened the brakes twice and it still does it. This is a totally stock setup and all 4 wheels drag. Only thing I have replaced is all new brake lines and 2 front wheel cylinders.
Thanks for any help,
Chris
 
Do you have at least 1/2 inch of free play at the pedal and a good strong return spring?
 
Pedal "free play" can sometimes be deceiving. You really want to measure the actual pedal push rod to master cylinder clearance, with the pedal fully retracted by it's own spring. This should be close to 1/16".
 
First things first... One of three things is happening...
1) The rod at the cylinder is adjusted too long and thereby not allowing the master cylinder plunger to return far enough for the fluid to return. If you let it sit say, overnight, the fluid will return and you start this process the next time you use the brakes.
2) the brakes are adjusted too tight to the drums. the drums heat up, close in on the shoes and you get drag.
3) You state you replaced the front wheel cylinders. Many new cylinders are incorrectly made. the return hole is drilled too far forward and as such, the fluid can't return.
Next time the brakes start locking, pull over, jack up the front wheel(s) and see if they spin. Do the same at the rear. If the rear spin and front ones don't, bad wheel cylinders.

My guess? Either bad wheel cylinders or that adjustment rod at the master is incorrectly adjusted.

Did you mess with that rod since the brakes last operated correctly? If not, front cylinders no doubt...
 
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