1947 mercury brake question
 

i have replaced brake shoes , drums have been cut, replaced master cylinder and junction block and wheel cylinders when i have car up on all four wheels spins and brakes work fine
however when i drive it rear brakes are hot and seem to drag ? any suggestions on problem and or fix

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

Be sure that there is play in the master cylinder rod to insure that the piston comes all the way back to allow return of fluid from wheel cylinders. You may still have pressure on the rears even when your foot is off the pedal.

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

How are the return springs on the brake cables?
They are on the inside, pull the drums to get to them.
You may be able to assess their condition by pulling on one at a time,
right at the cable entry to the drum. (It may help to back off the adjusters)
This could be the cause of dragging brakes.

Karl

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

When younger I would just replace the brake shoes, now I look at all of the friction points on the backing plates making sure there are no grooves worn in them and lube them with Brake Lube. I also get the new return springs that I didn't used to think were important.

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

Would axle or differential have any effect on the heating up and braces locking up?

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

Would axle or differential have any effect on the heating up and braces locking up?

Re: 1947 mercury brake question
 

Have you replaced the brake hoses? They can deteriorate internally and turn into one way check valves that will hold the brakes on.