Brake Problem!! Please help! I beg of you!!

[89_3SFE]

Guys, I've got an 89 GT with rear drums and I've run into a problem. I only had time to replace the shoes and drum on the drivers side rear wheel, but now it's got a major problem. The first time I press on the brake, the pedal goes all the way down to the floor and the car pulls to the left side really bad. If I pump the brakes two or three times they work okay, but not on the first and it's kind of scaring me. It's the only car I've got and I need it to work. Please help me if you know what I should do!! Thanks a ton guys!!

[GT4Thug]

looks like the wheel cylinder has popped a leak not good as you are losing brake fluid and contaminating the friction linings...

the pumping is forcing the air out of the system and pushing the piston on the wheel cylinder to activate

did it look worn when you took it apart ? was there any dampness / fluid that you overlooked ?

either way you'll need to take the time and have a look at it and get ready to replace both cylinders as the other might be in the same condition .....

Thug!

[89_3SFE]

I got the new cylinder and it's all assembled and everything. Do I need to do anything special to install it, or can I just install it in place of the old one and hook it up and I'll be good? If you know of any tips, let me know. Thanks.

[GT4Thug]

not done one on this motor but have done others , they are usually bolted on from behind and removing the metalbrake pipe is always the pain

bolt back on then bleed the system (BOTH SIDES) as there will be air in the system

make sure you have plenty of brake fluid just in case ..

[dougone]

A word on warning - always do brakes in pair. By that I mean if you are going to change a wheel cylinder, you must do either both the back wheels or both the front wheels. Same goes for drums calipers, rotors, brake pads etc.

[mike787]

89_3SFE wrote

"Brake Problem!! Please help! I beg of you!!
Guys, I've got an 89 GT with rear drums and I've run into a
problem. I only had time to replace the shoes and drum on the drivers side rear wheel, but now it's got a major problem. The first time I press on the brake, the pedal goes all the way down to the floor and the car pulls to the left side really bad. If I pump the brakes two or three times they work okay, but not on the first and it's kind of scaring me. It's the only car I've got and I need it to work. Please help me if you know what I should do!! Thanks a ton guys!!"

The reason your car is pulling to the left is bec the new shoes are thicker than the right side, therefore it grabs first when you first apply your brakes. The right side, older thinner pads, will grab after you pump your brakes a few times. To remedy this you must adjust your rear drums, both sides after you change your rear brake pads, immediately.

You shud be changing both sides at the same time, ie. in pairs. Its like buying new shoes, you wouldn't wear one new shoe to work, even when you are in a rush ...right? When you change new brake pad, adjustment must be done before you take your care off the hoist. It is part of the brake job procedure.

I'll try not to ramble but first you change your pads, then you adjust the brakes. Next you adjust the hand brake if required, then you take it for a test drive. This is assuming you have not opened the brake hydraulic system, which is another can of worms. Hope this helps!

[GT4Thug]

Mike i note your comments

But the auto adjusters should of compensated for the movement of the shoes throughout the life

*****pumping the pedal****** and all okay afterwards

loss of pressure / pump and restored

theres a problem !!