78 chrysler lebaron brake issue

[jason78lebaron]

I have noticed the past few months my back brakes seem to lock up easier than normal, today my brake light stayed on and I noticed the brake pedal felt weak. I checked the master cylinder and the front resivour was nearly empty. I topped it off and the light went off and the brakes feel pretty good. Any suggestions where to look first for leaks?

 

[Mr C]

Wheel cylinder probably puked brake fluid on the shoes on one side, hence the lock up condition (contaminated shoes) and low fluid. When the rubber seals get old, they crack and then you get a slow leak.

Pulling the drums will tell all.

 

[jason78lebaron]

Thanks. ..that shouldn't be too hard to fix

 

[jason78lebaron]

What would be easier a wheel cylinder repair kit or replacement

 

[Master M]

A new wheel cylinder would be faster and easier to replace. Otherwise you would need to clean the old wheel cylinder and run a hone through it to resurface it. Then you would need to install a new rubber kit.

 

[BHA43]

A lot of times a complete cylinder is cheaper than a kit!

 

[Aspen500]

Like BHA said,,,,,,,,,,,I wouldn't waste your time with a rebuild kit. Normally the cylinder bore will be pitted in the old one and not be usable anyways.