brake help please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1974gmc · 02-23-2005, 07:18 PM

the rear brakes on my 74 gmc 1/2t have been starting to squeel so i checked them out the other day and they look nasty. the pads or worn so they need replacing... on the pass side the inside surface on the drum is rusted so it looks like it hasnt been workin?? and everything was covered in fluid... im guessing axle seals or maybe wheel cylinder?? anyone have any ideas?

60-66 Nut · 02-23-2005, 09:16 PM

It's usually pretty easy to tell, brake fluid will wash clean with water, but water won't even fase gear oil. If the drum is rusted, chances are the cylinders are stuck and/or leaking.

60-66 Nut

1974gmc · 02-23-2005, 10:14 PM

i checked the fluid level in the master cylinder and its down a bit? what all else should i replace when doing them?

60-66 Nut · 02-23-2005, 10:49 PM

I always replace the wheel cylinders when I replace brake shoes, because even if they're not leaking yet, sometimes they will after you disturb them, and they're not that expensive anyway. As for the master cylinder, if it's not leaking or by-passing(pedal will ooze down sometimes) then it should be OK. Check your drums for excessive wear or cracks, and make sure your springs and hardware are in good condition. When replacing the shoes, if the lining on two of the shoes is thicker or longer than the other two, put those to the rear.

60-66 Nut

02-23-2005, 07:18 PM	#1
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	brake help please the rear brakes on my 74 gmc 1/2t have been starting to squeel so i checked them out the other day and they look nasty. the pads or worn so they need replacing... on the pass side the inside surface on the drum is rusted so it looks like it hasnt been workin?? and everything was covered in fluid... im guessing axle seals or maybe wheel cylinder?? anyone have any ideas?

02-23-2005, 09:16 PM	#2
60-66 Nut Professional Beer Tester Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 453	It's usually pretty easy to tell, brake fluid will wash clean with water, but water won't even fase gear oil. If the drum is rusted, chances are the cylinders are stuck and/or leaking. 60-66 Nut __________________ 60 Ford F100 Custom Cab 61 Apache Short Fleetside 64 C10 Short Stepside 65 C80 409 V8 5spd(X-Firetruck) 83 GMC 350 Olds Diesel 85 GMC Short Bed 86 GMC Short Bed 90 GMC R3500 Crew Cab 92 GMC 1500

02-23-2005, 10:49 PM	#4
60-66 Nut Professional Beer Tester Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 453	I always replace the wheel cylinders when I replace brake shoes, because even if they're not leaking yet, sometimes they will after you disturb them, and they're not that expensive anyway. As for the master cylinder, if it's not leaking or by-passing(pedal will ooze down sometimes) then it should be OK. Check your drums for excessive wear or cracks, and make sure your springs and hardware are in good condition. When replacing the shoes, if the lining on two of the shoes is thicker or longer than the other two, put those to the rear. 60-66 Nut __________________ 60 Ford F100 Custom Cab 61 Apache Short Fleetside 64 C10 Short Stepside 65 C80 409 V8 5spd(X-Firetruck) 83 GMC 350 Olds Diesel 85 GMC Short Bed 86 GMC Short Bed 90 GMC R3500 Crew Cab 92 GMC 1500

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02-23-2005, 10:14 PM	#3
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	i checked the fluid level in the master cylinder and its down a bit? what all else should i replace when doing them?



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