'53 front drum brake HELP !!

[Daryl Chesterman]

Brett, I hope you are taking the opportunity to free up and lubricate each of the adjusters, while the drums are off.  You will have to do a brake adjustment when you get everything back together, and that can't be accomplished unless the adjusters turn freely!

Daryl Chesterman

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

After having done this on our 55 let me just say.this-- You really need to replace all the wheel cylinders if you don't know their history. If there is evidence of a leak (you have it by the unexplained gunk) they need to go.
Don't forget, even for a minute,  that it is a single circuit brake system
You hit them hard and blow out a seal you have a real problem.
Jeff

[Jay Friedman]

Wheel cylinder was pretty easy too, release the top springs for the shoes and unbolt the wheel cylinder.... at least that one was.... I still have 3 more to do.

Brett, I hope you are taking the opportunity to free up and lubricate each of the adjusters, while the drums are off.  You will have to do a brake adjustment when you get everything back together, and that can't be accomplished unless the adjusters turn freely!

Daryl Chesterman

I suggest you do what is called a "major" adjustment, which is explained in the shop manual.  This involves using a feeler gauge through a slot in the perimeter of each drum to adjust the position of the anchor pin which holds the top springs for the shoes.