M1842 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I finally got to around to taking my left rear brake apart. And noticed that the right rear strut is a different design than the left rear, I would expect them to be the same design, just mirror images of each other. One has a broad V shape indentation to go around the hub while the other is a straight off set. Both have the curled down end where the spring fits. The one with the v shape depression fits very tightly above the hub and doesn't like to move, the other has no issues moving when I pull on the parking brake cable. Which one is correct? If a modern strut is the right length, can it be substituted? Or do I need to search for the 55 Special strut? Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I have a right and left for 54, if you are interested. I'm pretty sure they are the same between years. Maybe someone can confirm before I have a chance to check my parts book later tonight... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Have a look at the Hometown Buick site for the 55 as there will be a picture of the brake set up including the hand brake strut. That will confirm whether you have anything original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 I checked my shop manual and as you say it shows the brake setup with strut, but it only shows the strut edge on so I don't see the top view. Fr. Buick - I would be very interested in that pair of struts if confirmed the same as the 55. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Can you post a photo of what you have. FYI the 56 strut comes out and around and is not straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 3, 2020 Author Share Posted December 3, 2020 Yep, can do. I'll have to take the one wheel apart to get the strut out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 Right and left from 1954. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 From memory they look like those on the 56 so should be same for 55. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 3, 2020 Author Share Posted December 3, 2020 We may have a terminology issue here, I call those levers not struts. The struts connect the primary shoe to the lever. I will post pictures later today of what I have. Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 Oh, those!! I have those as well, need a pair? Sorry for confusing things... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 3, 2020 Author Share Posted December 3, 2020 (edited) Here is the photo of my two struts, the top is the right rear and the bottom is the left rear. I think they should be the same except mirror image. I started with the right rear and didn't realize this was the wrong shape, it has been very hard to get this side altogether and I could not get the shoes not to contact the drum even with the adjustment wheel turned all the way in. After I opened up the left I saw the major difference and the left was much easier to reassemble. As always, the right bits make everything go together better! Fr. Buick - If you have a pair, I will take them! Thanks to all, Mark Edited December 3, 2020 by M1842 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 Oh I see which struts you are talking about. The one in the top of the photo looks bent. I know it probably isn't but the struts in my 56 look like the strut in the bottom of your photo. Which one works better for you or doesn't foul? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 Sorry, I reread your post and the top strut is the problem which would make sense. If no has any then you may need to hunt the wreckers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 I have a pair from 1954 I can sell. Same part from 1946 to 1960. PM me if interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 I have to wonder how that got bent like that...wow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 4, 2020 Author Share Posted December 4, 2020 1 hour ago, Smartin said: I have to wonder how that got bent like that...wow! I don't think it was bent, I think it is from a different car. This is the first time I have opened up the rear brakes. The angle of the cut out to fit the lever is all wrong too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 That's what's making me go hmmm...is the notch that is off at an angle. I can't imagine any braking system in the world that would have that sort of offset shoe-to-parking brake lever setup. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 4, 2020 Author Share Posted December 4, 2020 If it were bent, then it's a compound bend, even harder to imagine how it could be bent. I guess it will remain a mystery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smartin Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 Yeah...super weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 4, 2020 Author Share Posted December 4, 2020 I have examined the strut in question some more and I think I have a theory. The bent strut is about 3/8" longer than the straight. It is also thicker and wider than the straight. I think the curved strut was an improvised attempt to replace a lost or broken strut. They grabbed another strut, possibly from a truck, that was too long and tried to get it to fit, they bent the strut to reduce the overall length. This explains why there was so much more brake dust than the opposite side, the shoes were held too close to the brake drum and were "arched" through driving. It will be a walk through the park to put it together now compared to what I have been enduring. Mark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1842 Posted December 11, 2020 Author Share Posted December 11, 2020 Success! I reassembled the right rear drum brake this afternoon with the new strut and all is good. I was able to mount the drum and bolt it down to the axle flange and it still turned freely. Now to put the left together and start the adjustment process. Mark 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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