<VV> Brakes - Question

[Frank DuVal]

Well, there are many parts that can cause this pulling.

Have you replaced the rear brake hoses? The Corvair has two in back, so 
one can defective one back there can cause pulling.

Have you rebuilt the wheel cylinders (or replaced them)? Gunk can build 
up in them to the point where the pistons will not move.

Odd one, but possible, is one of the metal lines flattened, like from a 
rock or other road debris?

The tool for measuring brake drag is your hand.  Ears are used also for 
audible dragging.

If the self adjusters are working, they do a very good job of keeping 
the brakes adjusted correctly. If they didn't work when new, there would 
have been a lot more trips to the repair shops with all these GM cars 
back then. Before self adjusters were standard equipment it was common 
to have to adjust brakes every 3000 miles or so (city driving)!

I tighten the shoes until they drag heavy, then back off the star wheel 
until they just spin free. Then I let the self adjusters take it from 
there. On non-self adjusting brakes, I adjust the shoes until they  drag 
heavy, then back off until they just drag. Usually the drum turns free 
for about half a revolution, then drags slightly.

You've had a front end alignment, so they should have seen of any 
suspension arts were worn out. I've seen castor adjusting bushings worn 
out causing pulling. Same with control arm bushings. Also if the 
wheelbase is not close (length measurement) from side to side.

Frank DuVal



On 8/3/2012 12:47 AM, Bill H. wrote:
>                                                                           B"H
> Hi folks!  Have a question on brake adjustment.  Although all the self-adjusters in my car are in there and complete, I just don't trust that these things do a "perfect" adjustment.  Maybe I'm wrong, but my question is:  Should there be some drag on the wheel when it is spun off the ground with the stock Corvair brakes?  Does anyone know of a tool that can be used to measure drag so ensure that the resistance is equal on all four wheels?
> I've had my front end aligned, replaced both front brake hoses, checked all the shoes/drums, and it all looks peachy.  Still she veers sharply to the right when I apply the brakes.  I suspect one or more wheels has an incorrect brake adjustment.
> Thanks...Bill Hershkowitz 66 Monza Sport Sedan 110 PG A/C