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1971 Drum brake adjustments

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by theBBQman, Sep 25, 2008.

  1. Sep 25, 2008
    theBBQman

    theBBQman theBBQman

    Littleton, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2008
    Messages:
    35
    My brakes don't work too well. It seems important, so I'm hoping for some help.

    I really have to put all of my force onto the pedal to slow down. It's not even close to locking up.

    We bled the brake lines and filled the fluid and I've tried going fast backwards and hitting the brakes to see if they would self adjust, but now I'm out of ideas. I'd really appreciate some guidance...

    Thanks,
    Jay


    View attachment 23903

    View attachment 23904
     
    theBBQman, Sep 25, 2008
    #1
  2. Sep 25, 2008
    Don X

    Don X The Prodigal Moderator Staff Member 2023 Sponsor

    San Diego,...
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2007
    Messages:
    3,383
    I'd recommend examining the wheel cylinders. May have to hone the cylinders and rebuild them or replace completely. Replacement would be preferable and is not that difficult. While you're at it, check all of the lines and fiitings for cracks or leaks. Then flush the lines, add fluid and bleed.
     
    Don X, Sep 25, 2008
    #2
  3. Sep 25, 2008
    bobo

    bobo Sponsor

    canby or
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2008
    Messages:
    69
    Im thinking glazed brake shoes. how old are they. replace the shoes and inspecting every thing ,replacing anything that is worn. when you get it apart peek behind the rubber boot on the wheel cylinders if its funky replace them
     
    bobo, Sep 25, 2008
    #3
  4. Sep 25, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    I'd also add that if you are going to go to the trouble of replacing the wheel cylinders and brake shoes (highly recommended) then I would also replace all of the rubber hoses in the system as well. They are prone to rot from sitting, and old hoses also have a habit of swelling internally and this will make a wheel or two hang up. Cheap insurance IMHO.

    Oh, and while you are at the FLAPS, "speed bleeders" make the bleeding process much, much easier. Just a few bux more and you can bleed the brakes faster and easier. YMMV. ;)
     
    w3srl, Sep 25, 2008
    #4
  5. Sep 26, 2008
    Steelwheels

    Steelwheels New Member

    Central Calif. Coast
    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2008
    Messages:
    33
    And I would add to all of the above, have the drums turned if there is enough meat left or replace them with new ones.
     
    Steelwheels, Sep 26, 2008
    #5
  6. Sep 26, 2008
    bergy9

    bergy9 Jeep Maffia, CJ 5 Chapter

    Lincoln City, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2007
    Messages:
    184
    My 71 only had one wheel cyclinder working. If your going to take a close look at the brakes, save time and money and replace the wheel cyclinders, don't waste your time trying to rebuild them...that's my 2 cents. Good luck.
     
    bergy9, Sep 26, 2008
    #6
  7. Sep 27, 2008
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,125
    No way around it Bob, you're going to have to pull the drums off & see what it looks like inside. Do as everybody else has suggested but my $.02 Canuck is to spend the extra $$$ & buy the good quality replacement parts, not the econo stuff from Crappy Tire.

    Brakes are just *NOT* worth cheaping out on.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Sep 27, 2008
    #7
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