<VV> Brake lock up

[N. Joseph Potts]

The self-adjusters on all four of your brakes detect excessive clearance
between your shoes and your drums (the result of lining wear) AND correct
for it when you apply your brakes with the car going backwards. Your problem
sounds like a broken (or misconnected, or disconnected?) spring in one or
more of your self-adjusters. It COULD also be worn-out linings, but I'd
expect you to experience other problems in that case, and you didn't mention
any.
     Using your hand brake INSTEAD of your foot brake, you can apply ONLY
your rear brakes. If, using this technique, you experience lockup, that's a
sign you need to open up the brakes on your rear wheels and set matters
right. If, on the other hand, you don't experience lockup, that's a sign
that you should attend to your front brakes (AND it will give you a way to
get the car out of the garage safely and easily until you do correct
things). Another temporary measure (in case it's your rear brakes) back INTO
the garage. This may or may not help, according to factors (sloping
driveway, etc.) that you haven't disclosed.

Joe Potts
Miami, Florida USA
1966 Corsa coupe 140hp 4-speed with A/C

-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-admin@corvair.org]On Behalf Of Jim Corey
Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 10:33 PM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: <VV> Brake lock up


When I back up my '63 Vert, the brakes lock up.  Makes it tough to get
it out of the garage!  I'll tear into it this weekend (I hope).  Any
thoughts?