VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans 1946 Pickup brakes.

PO said he rebuilt the brakes. When coming to a stop from 10 or 15 mph, it pulls to the right severely and makes a noise that I thought was the tire sliding. I figured the right front was to tight. Jacked it up tonight and it spins very freely. Buddy is coming over tomorrow and help me take a look. Any ideas what could cause it?

Are the front brakes adjusted equally. If not it will pull toward the brake adjusted tighter.

common problem with that brake is wheel cylinder aluminum pistons sticking in cylinder, broken pull back spring or plugged-up hose.

I agree that it's the wheel cylinder! I would not clean up and rebuild, just buy and install new.

We took both sides apart and they were not rebuilt. Have ordered all new parts and have had the drums turned. Boy the bearings are really expensive no matter where I looked.

I have purchased bearings from "locateballbearings.com" and have found them to be less than most places. You do have to be careful to get the quality that you need.

Glad that you fund the problem. I assume that you have checked the rear brakes also.

I have had situations when the wheel cylinder leaked enough fluid that it contaminated the lining on the brake shoes. The wheel would immediately lock-up and slide when you applied the brakes.

There was no fluid leak. Checked the back brakes and going to leave them alone for now. Really didn't see anything that would cause the pull to the right. Just hope it was the linings or the adjustment was off. I don't think I will be putting a lot of miles on it.

Gene nailed it. One of the pistons was stuck on the passenger side. We finished up the front brakes today and it worked great on the test drive. Considereing doing the rears soon. I won't be driving it much as I have my 48 to drive also. And the Ranchero that I am trying to sell. Again thanks to all for your suggestions.

KK,

Those pistons will stick quicker than Jack Benney can open his safe. Well, come to think of it: actually much quicker.

Pump the brake pedal at least once a week or so.

Charlie

I am ordering the rear brake part, so we can do them.

PO told me the owner before him did it. Reality is the pedal is to the floor. Barely stops it. I didn't have enough tools and might try to bring the truck home to look at it, but need to have working brakes for that. Time to learn about the '46 brakes...

I guess if I had a nickel for every PO that said the brakes were rebuilt, I'd be a millionaire...(which amounts to little nowadays... )

I'm pretty sure the master cylinder is under the floor on the passenger side, but came home to research that. Will go back tomorrow.

Alan

I was told the same thing, but found out different.

Keith,

I'm hoping that some of the stuff was rebuilt as said, like the master cylinder. My brakes might just need to be bled, that I don't know. That would probably be too easy...LOL

Alan

Keith,
The master cylinder in the 46 truck is on the driver's side.
Harold

Correct. The brakes are working on my 46, as we rebuilt the fronts and have the parts to do the rears probably next spring.

So it's been awhile since i was on here.Got through the red tape to get my truck tagged in KS with the VIN on the body not the engine number. I lost the brakes first day my 46 truck was tagged. Wheel cylinder busted. I found a place in town that sold me all the cups and pistons to rebuild my cylinders. We cleaned them up and put back together. We also rebuilt the master cylinder. We then noticed all four drums were worn out. Instead of spending the almost $500 for them new, a brake shop turned my drums the changed the 3/16 pad on my shoes to 1/4 so they work great with my drums. Beings the top speed is around 50 mph i feel it is very safe.I also purchased the barring upgrade kit to change the front barrings to roller instead of the old ball barrings. My test drive comes tomorrow hopefully. If i can figure out how i'll post some pics of the process.


https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...fd5f94504607165efe62c398&oe=5CC20050
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...d732c317ac28a447eeeefc65&oe=5CC3AC15
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...7f6bc6fa4c4340a810d143ca&oe=5CB7AD8A
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...a340d4c4b726561625b6ec25&oe=5CBF814D

Hope your test ride went ok. I took my 46 out Saturday and drove it for the first time in about 3 months. Brakes worked ok. Still need to do the rears next spring.

brakes work great...now it's time to redo the wood in the bed....already torn out

I have decided to replace my rear-end and tranny with one from a s10...with the new speeds i will have to have better brakes so i need to install a new 2 well master cylinder, i just am not sure what to buy and install? example make, model, year or if there is a brake cylinder made just for using in these cases. Can anyone advise ?

Check with h COT40s they also have street rod parts plus there are a lot of vendors that have street rod parts.

Hi Stephen,

You might want to start a new thread in the "Personal Modifications" forum so we can help you find solutions to the open drive shaft rear axle and new rear brakes on your '46.

Dens41 is correct that you should be reaching out to the street rod community for help with those conversions.

Thanks to you all for the info