All new everything. Hardly stops in reverse

[bigcaddy]

I restored my 76 auto. I replaced the master, hoses, drums, shoes and cylinders.

I’m not new to doing brakes on these but I’m kinda stumped.

Stops about as expected going forward. If I put it in reverse it takes a lot of pedal to keep it from rolling. A LOT. About all my foot strength.

If I pull the handbrake it locks them up nicely.
I’m at a loss. I’m getting fluid out the bleeders. If I remember correctly I put the shoes on the right way.

Thanks in advance.

[jockduck]

Hi again, all drum brakes or discs? The front drum brakes are set up to work best arresting forwards the leading shoes dont work so good in reverse the rears have only one cylinder and it works in both directions, if its discs then I don't know what I'm talking about.
Jock

[notamini]

Being a 76 you likely have front disc. Adjust the hand brake so that both rear wheels lock up at 2 clicks of the lever. Then adjust your shoes as close as you can without drag.
If you still have issues it may be the motion valve on the rear line is restricting flow.
You may also have rear hose restriction. Replace all flex hoses (3?) In the back and 2 in front. They could be swelled up due to age.

[bigcaddy]

Thanks. IT is 4 wheel drums. The rears are adjusted as far out as they can before they heat up from drag. I'm getting fluid out the rear bleeders so the hoses aren't collapsed, but I'll check them and if I didn't' replace them, I will. I'll remove the prop valve at the rear too and check it out.

Thanks,
Tom

[notamini]

Just because you are getting fluid doesn't mean they are good hoses. If they are 25+ years old you need to replace them. It's sort of like hardening of the arteries. They are restricting flow. Hand brake cable is important too. Two clicks full on.

[bigcaddy]

I'll get it on the lift and look around. I'll report back with findings.

Thanks again,
Tom

[richard1]

Old brake hoses can expand and contract with the pressure and its release. I once had a 93 Grand Cherokee that I had replaced everything on. Then one day someone was under the car in the bay to watch and saw the brake lines balloon.

Tarija and Santa Cruz, Bolivia