Brake problems on my 32

[v12lincoln]

Took my 32 out for a drive today and had to get on the brakes hard to keep from broad siding a nut that ran a stop sign and now my brakes are locked up and can not get them to release.

Anyone know of a fix for this without taking the brakes apart?

Can these be changed out to Juice brakes from a newer Buick and still use the original wire wheels? Looking for safety since I bought this for my wife and she is a last second stopper.

[Bob Engle]

Buick stayed with mechanical brakes until they had independent front suspension instead of the solid front axle. Conversions to keep the original wheels are not easily done. There are no straight parts swaps for this.

It's hard to say what locked up on your brakes. I would check the front brake cables to see that they aren't frozen in the sheath. You can remove the aluminum cover on the backing plate to disconnect the cables. You should be able to move the adjuster on the back. It could have been forced over center so the inside eccentric is jammed keeping the shoes tight. Are all wheels locked up, or just front or a single wheel?

Bob

[v12lincoln]

Thanks Bob. It feels like just the right front and from your explanation that sounds like what it might be. I will check what you mentioned and let you know.

This is my first car with 4 wheel mechanical brakes with cables and I have no information on them except how to adjust them.

Other old cars I work on are all 2 wheel mechanical with rods, easy to see whats going on.

[Bob Engle]

It will be much easier delaing with just one wheel, and the fronts are much easier to work on. I suspect the cable, then the eccentric, either over center, or frozen on the pin.

BTW, check that you have woven lining on the brake shoes. Many shoes have been relined with asbestos molded material. That works good with hydraulic brakes which can generate more force than mechanicals. The woven works very good on the mechancial brakes. I was very pleased with the brakes on my 32 after they were relined with woven. I use White Post Restorations for relining. good price and quick turnaround. The woven do need more frequent adjustment, but who really drives these cars many miles a year. Whatever the brakes, I go through and inspect and adjust once a year.

Bob

[v12lincoln]

Thanks again Bob. Without you pointing me in the right direction I would not have found the problem. The right front cammed over on the eccentric, eeverything was lubed with a heavy oil and put back together but still no brakes, The Left front cable stay by the rear spring shackle had popped out of place with the keeper behind the stay instead of in front of it, Once put back and crimped in place I had to readjust the brakes but now everything works like it should.

I have molded shoes but they look brand new so once they wear out I will replace with woven shoes. Thanks again for your help!! Now I can go on our clubs Christmas Progressive dinner.

[jscheib]

V12 Lincoln,

I am not sure what series '32 you have, but if your wife is not familiar with those cars, I suggest you /she be careful. It does require a strong legs (left also for the clutch, unless you use the wizard) for both clutch and brakes. I find nothing wrong with my brakes, but I always keep plenty of space in front for stopping. I have a small series which steers quite easily when moving. I have driven larger series '32s and the steering is a bit harder.

Hope you and your wife have much enjoyment with the car.

John

[v12lincoln]

Our car is a 66s, Wife grew up with old cars, Mitchells, Ts, As, Overlands, Packards and a few others, She can drive an old car but needs to be reminded of the brakes all the time.

[Marty Roth]

V12Lincoln,

It sounds like you have the fix well in hand.

Properly adjusted mechanical brakes stop just as well as hydraulics - it just takes more care to get the right adjustment.

There is another thread here dealing with how to do this adjustment on a 1932 Buick.

Another comment - not to be critical - but --

Bob Engel's comment needs clarification concerning when Buick went to hydraulic brakes. In fact Buick went from solid axle to independant front suspension in 1934, but did not abandon mechanical brakes until 1936.

My 1934 model 57 has front coil springs, independant front suspension, fantastically-operating mechanical brakes, and has a factory-installed vacuum-operated power-brake booster.