Hi

The passenger side rear break on my 1965 Valiant won’t stop squeaking. I took it to a break shop and they did nothing to make it better. I took it back and they pulled the old blame the customer routine.

I have installed new break lines and replaced the master cylinder (as well as shoes etc) but the break still keeps dragging.

Do you think it might be a weak spring or perhaps the wheel cylinder has to be replaced?

Thanks

If you haven't changed the springs yet, do so now. While it's probably not what is causing them problem, but if you don't know how old they are, they are probably getting old enough to run the risk of breaking.

Is this a constant squeal, or does it only occur when you apply the brakes? Also, what type of material are your shoes made from?

_________________
Used to own:
'82 Dodge D150
Erson 270 Cam, O/S valves, mild port work, ~9.5:1 compression

Currently fighting with an '85 VW Cabriolet

My other passion

I am not sure about the type of material that the shoes are made of but they are just standard brakes. I will certainly look into the different springs though.

Oh yes, it is constant squeak and only stops when you apply the brakes.

I've had some odd noises that were cured by just removing the wheel cover; applying the brakes dampens the vibration and stops the noise. A little rust scraping between the backing plate and drum can also setup a vibration

Sometimes, a bad shock can cause a lot of noise too by converting minor motion into vibration. If you jack back end up (securely support it on jack stands) & run it that way, does the squeek appear?. If not, it might be something else setting up the vibration; if it does, you can remove the wheel, try it, then remove drum and try.

Hi


I have changed the shocks both front and rear. I did not really describe the squeak that well.

It is a chirping sound that constantly occurs while driving. When the breaks are applied the chirping stops. Thus, it just seems like something is continually catching or rubbing.

I think this weekend I will have a chance to pull of the drum.

I thin that a change of springs might help things but I have a leak somewhere in the brake system so that is why I suspect the brake cylinder.

Any more suggestions are definitely welcome.

The pads are in constant contact with the rotor surface. If the rotor is slightly out of true it could cause the pad to work back and forth in the caliper which might cause a cyclical chirp such as you describe. Does the interval between chirps change as you speed up or slow down?

*edit* I assumed disk brakes but on reading again I think that was a faulty assumption. Still, the noise you're describing could be caused by an out of round brake drum, or maybe a bent backing plate. Take the drum off and lubricate the pads on the backing plate where the shoes rest against it. Inspect the drum for signs of rubbing on the inside of the wheel mounting surface.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

It's a long shot, but while you've got the car up I'd suggest you check that the universals aren't binding up or damaged. The only way I've found to do that well is to unbold the driveshaft at the axle and turn them by hand with the trans in neutral.

Hi

I think that the chirp corresponds directly to the velocity of the vehicle.

When I speed up, the rate of the chirp seems to as well.

If it is out of true then should I take it to a place that machines brake drums?

I guess that I may have to replace it.

Thanks

Machining the drums ( you should do both while you're at it ) may be necessary but I would check everything else too, just to be sure there isn't something bent or misaligned.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

dakight's posting reminded me of odd problem I had long ago with an AMC; it's a long shot, but maybe it's relevant.

The 1973 AMC Hornet's drums would go significantly out of round with use, but would return to round after they were removed from the car awhile - I ended up w/ 2 sets that did that that I'd alternate between them <1/2 year or so. I never understood why they'd do that, but it was very reproducable.

If your drums distort on the car, but return to normal off the car, it could maybe cause something to rub somewhere.

Thanks for the advice.

I took a hammer and tapped things to remove any sort of rust that might be causing things not to move freely. This seemed to realign things as well and the squeaking has stopped.

Thanks

Yup, sometimes all you need is a bigger hammer.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.