Left Front Brake Locking Up

[Bob DiCorpo]

Having a problem with a 1960 356 B with the left front brake locking, causing the car to pull severely to the left upon braking. When the car is cold, the brakes work just fine, but after about 15 minutes of driving, the problem begins and remains.
I have had all front and rear brake cylinders and hoses replaced and the inside of each drum cleaned of debris. Still the pulling problem exists. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Bob

[David Jones]

May not be the left front, could be the right brake not working. Gives the same effect. Is it really locking or just pulling to the left?

[Bob DiCorpo]

Hi David,
Thank you for your reply. I would say "Pulling" to the left because when I press on the brake pedal, the left front wheel seems to lock up and the car will pull to the left. If I press too hard on the pedal, the tire will skid and leave a bit of rubber on the ground.

[Robert Reed]

Hey Bob;
Just wondering how old your rubber brake lines are; it may be that they are swelling up on the inside.
Does it feel like maybe the left front isn’t releasing after you release the pedal?
Bob

[Mike Wilson]

Were the drums turned and the shoes arced?

Mike

[Bob DiCorpo]

Hi Mike,
That's the big question. The car belongs to a friend in Law Vegas. I helped him purchase it in nearby RI. I still have it here in Massachusetts. The history of the brake work is unknowns. A mechanic did tell me that the left front drum doesn't seem to have a lot left to turn. As for the soft lines as pointed out by Bob, they've been replaced. Bob

[Mike Wilson]

Hi, Bob:

Lots to check: drums turned, shoes arced, wheel cylinders working and installed as they should be, shoe wear. Single or dual circuit master cylinder?

All the best,

Mike

[Dick Weiss]

Possible brake shoe adjustment may be the problem; Were all the shoes adjusted to solid lockup and 4-to-6 teeth backed off just enough
to release the wheel by hand-turning? Do the shoes have good linings and arced to the drum diameter(s)?

Finally, are the wheel cylinders working freely, and bled free of air?

[Doug McDonnell]

And if you need your drums relined: http://mwthemachineshop.com/porsche-356-drums

[Martin Bruechle]

Check brake pedal free-play too.

Hey Mike Wilson. If you ever need drums turned or shoes done have you been to the Drum Garden ?
The old man is retired but his 50 year old son is doing brakes (all cars) out of his dads house in Lomita.
At the end of Oak St behind the Sheriff station. Big property, bunch of shipping containers kinda odd in a residential area.

[Mike Wilson]

Martin: I'll have to check that out. Basically within a mile of my house. Thanks for the tip! I know Johnson's Alignment also turns the drums.

Mike

[Martin Bruechle]

Mike, The old man started a brake shop in the 60's
There were on Normandie / 253rd for a couple decades.
The guy has thousands of brake drums/rotors, and specializes in vintage American cars,
I bought his last 356 drum for $75.