Emergency brake is stuck

[Curtis]

The 510 610 710 adjuster looks like it will work. Would have to have one in hand.

[DAC21]

The 510 610 710 adjuster looks like it will work. Would have to have one in hand.

Possibly, but maybe not a drop in without modifications. Dean lists that his will fit Roadsters inc 1500's along with 410 and 411's. One would think he would mention 510's as well if it were the case? Though photos of the 510 adjuster do look pretty close and the tappet P/N does cross over between the two.

[DatsunUtah]

Hey Greg - Yep, found the square head adjuster. Photo attached. I don't have any socket or wrench that is a perfect fit. 9/32 is close but there is some play. So I did not try this one. 7mm is too small, 8mm is too big. The head looks to be in good shape. So I'm cautious not to do more damage by using a tool that does not fit. I've put some penetrating spray on it and will put more and let is set. Then I'll try the vice grips to see if I can move it. Then the rubber mallet. Hoping to get back to it tomorrow.

IMG_4532.JPG

[DatsunUtah]

The way the brakes work is a hydraulic cylinder pushes outwards a fairly small amount against the brake shoes which are like half circles which then press against the drum... so if the cylinder is extended for any reason (hydraulic or mechanical) the drum will not come off, and it needs to to gain access. So, first examine how the mechanical and brake part works and see if it is hanging up. With the parking brake off there should be slack in the linkage. If that's not it, there is a brake shoe adjusting screw/bolt at the bottom of the backing plate that has a square head (often rounded off) that will back the brake shoes off the drum if you turn it counter clockwise. You may need a pair of vice grips to lock on and turn it, and it will take several turns but eventually that should relieve the tension on the shoes/drum allowing you to remove the drum. Be as nice to this adjuster square head as I said, they are often rounded off and should be engaged well so your tool/pliers etc are not spinning and rounding the head. Hitting the drum hard and repeatedly in several places with a RUBBER maillot can be very helpful as it vibrates things and loosens them, and after getting very hot from your drive I'd imagine things have tightened up a lot.

The way the brakes work is a hydraulic cylinder pushes outwards a fairly small amount against the brake shoes which are like half circles which then press against the drum... so if the cylinder is extended for any reason (hydraulic or mechanical) the drum will not come off, and it needs to to gain access. So, first examine how the mechanical and brake part works and see if it is hanging up. With the parking brake off there should be slack in the linkage. If that's not it, there is a brake shoe adjusting screw/bolt at the bottom of the backing plate that has a square head (often rounded off) that will back the brake shoes off the drum if you turn it counter clockwise. You may need a pair of vice grips to lock on and turn it, and it will take several turns but eventually that should relieve the tension on the shoes/drum allowing you to remove the drum. Be as nice to this adjuster square head as I said, they are often rounded off and should be engaged well so your tool/pliers etc are not spinning and rounding the head. Hitting the drum hard and repeatedly in several places with a RUBBER maillot can be very helpful as it vibrates things and loosens them, and after getting very hot from your drive I'd imagine things have tightened up a lot.

Hey Greg - Yep, found the square head adjuster. Photo attached. I don't have any socket or wrench that is a perfect fit. 9/32 is close but there is some play. So I did not try this one. 7mm is too small, 8mm is too big. The head looks to be in good shape. So I'm cautious not to do more damage by using a tool that does not fit. I've put some penetrating spray on it and will put more and let is set. Then I'll try the vice grips to see if I can move it. Then the rubber mallet. Hoping to get back to it tomorrow.

IMG_4532.JPG

[Curtis]

I used a 1/4" square socket on the one today. Corners had been rounded some so had to file them. But of course it is not on the car so it is quite simple to do. I had to chase the threads which I found to be 3/8 fine to get the spreader out.

The MGB adjuster looks like it might work if you are willing to drill some new holes since the studs are not offset. Trying to decide if I want to spend $23 for something I don't need. But my curiosity may get the better of me.

When I had a problem before I took a rubber mallet to the drum and just kept going around the edge and hitting it outward.

[Curtis]

On the rear axle there is a pivot for the E brake. If you pull the pin for the cable going to the front it will release any tension for the brake shoes against the drums.

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[DAC21]

Hey Greg - Yep, found the square head adjuster. Photo attached. I don't have any socket or wrench that is a perfect fit. 9/32 is close but there is some play. So I did not try this one. 7mm is too small, 8mm is too big. The head looks to be in good shape. So I'm cautious not to do more damage by using a tool that does not fit. I've put some penetrating spray on it and will put more and let is set. Then I'll try the vice grips to see if I can move it. Then the rubber mallet. Hoping to get back to it tomorrow.IMG_4532.JPG

Here is Mike Youngs rear adjuster tool solution. hex wrench with, 1/4 inch drive socket.

455141425_8735538139793923_6762400912241636843_n.jpg

[ADR]

Yes, I was just going to say that! Use the square end of the socket to grab the adjuster stud. Simple / brilliant!

[drieseck]

One last option I needed as my adjuster nut was frozen. I removed the nuts from the studs and slowly/carefully tapped the whole unit into the brake shoe cavity. I needed to R&R the adjuster, springs, shoes and drums anyway, so maybe a very last resort. (DAC21, the M.Y. socket-on-allen is brilliant.)

[DatsunUtah]

Update - the Mike Young adjustor tool solution WORKED!! ThanX DAC21. Update - the wheel now turns. My pads look ok, but I do need to do some cleaning here. THANK YOU everyone for your help on this. Not sure what caused the original sticking, but will see where this takes me.

[DAC21]

Just a little FYI. If you are dealing with a Roadster that has been sitting for many years, or driven low miles you could be dealing with asbestos brake linings. Best use a spray bottle to water things down during disassembly to keep dust from getting into the air. A high quality mask wouldn't hurt as well.

[redroadster]

Just a little FYI. If you are dealing with a Roadster that has been sitting for many years, or driven low miles you could be dealing with asbestos brake linings. Best use a spray bottle to water things down during disassembly to keep dust from getting into the air. A high quality mask wouldn't hurt as well.

Also note the asbestos that does you in is so microscopic , you have 1 billion red blood cells in 3 drops of blood , the asbestos particles are 1/50th the size of red blood cells they say a dust mask won't stop it ,

[DAC21]

Just a little FYI. If you are dealing with a Roadster that has been sitting for many years, or driven low miles you could be dealing with asbestos brake linings. Best use a spray bottle to water things down during disassembly to keep dust from getting into the air. A high quality mask wouldn't hurt as well.

Also note the asbestos that does you in is so microscopic , you have 1 billion red blood cells in 3 drops of blood , the asbestos particles are 1/50th the size of red blood cells they say a dust mask won't stop it ,

Yes, I should have been more specific, you need to get an asbestos rated respirator. Though I believe they can be found under $50. One of my best Buddies died of mesothelioma in 2009. He along with myself and another half dozen close buddies to this day worked the same gas stations in the late 70's, early 80's that performed brake jobs, tire repair and balancing. I'm pretty sure his wife received a settlement. I'm only surprised he was the only one that got the disease. I believe it manifests 20 -30 years after exposure, so we are all well into and beyond that now.

[DatsunUtah]

Good tip DAC21. Used water/mask to clean up. All back together and running as expected. On to a new item on my always something to fix, replace, or make better list.

[Gregs672000]

Glad you got this worked through Darrell. Just to finish out this post, the final adjustment of the brakes after you backed the adjuster off is to adjust it so the wheel spins by hand with the next turn on the adjuster causing a little drag. Well done!