Question: I just purchased a 1959 Oldsmobile that’s been sitting for about two years. It’s in great shape and runs beautifully. The only problem is that the brakes grab really badly. As soon as I touch the brake pedal the car screeches to a halt. Do you have any idea what could cause this?
Answer: I suppose that’s a better problem than if the car kept going when you stepped on the brake pedal. The inside of the brake drums most likely have a light coating of rust on them from lack of use, but I don’t think that’s your problem. I think that one or more of your wheel cylinders have leaked brake fluid onto your brake pads, or onto the brake drum where it transferred to the brake pads. If you remove the wheels and the brake drums it will be evident which wheel, or wheels, are causing the problem.
I prefer replacing wheel cylinders with new units, but rebuilding wheel cylinders is not particularly difficult. Because the car has been unused for two years I would strongly urge you to inspect the entire brake system including the brake lines. Replace anything that appears rusted or deteriorated. At the very minimum I would replace all of the brake pads, brake hardware (inside of the brake drums), and wheel cylinders. I would also drain and flush all of the brake fluid and replace it with fresh brake fluid. This sounds like a lot of work, but it really is not. Even if you have to pay someone to do it, do it. The last thing you want to do is take a chance with your brakes.
Answer: I suppose that’s a better problem than if the car kept going when you stepped on the brake pedal. The inside of the brake drums most likely have a light coating of rust on them from lack of use, but I don’t think that’s your problem. I think that one or more of your wheel cylinders have leaked brake fluid onto your brake pads, or onto the brake drum where it transferred to the brake pads. If you remove the wheels and the brake drums it will be evident which wheel, or wheels, are causing the problem.
I prefer replacing wheel cylinders with new units, but rebuilding wheel cylinders is not particularly difficult. Because the car has been unused for two years I would strongly urge you to inspect the entire brake system including the brake lines. Replace anything that appears rusted or deteriorated. At the very minimum I would replace all of the brake pads, brake hardware (inside of the brake drums), and wheel cylinders. I would also drain and flush all of the brake fluid and replace it with fresh brake fluid. This sounds like a lot of work, but it really is not. Even if you have to pay someone to do it, do it. The last thing you want to do is take a chance with your brakes.
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