Re: Dive & Screech

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2014/7/14 11:13:31

customclipper55,

Learned a lot from your post, and also agree with what you say about things I am familiar with. Thanks especially for your comment on MC not likely causing pull on older cars. Whew, don't want to touch that thing again!

The break job I had done last year did not include replacing lines. I talked to mechanic about that. I told him to take off both ends and blow compressed air through to check. I don't know if this is an adequate check, but I figure it's better than nothing. Also advised him to check hoses the same way.

If lines and hoses are clear, I asked him to note hydraulic pressure to each side, especially in front, to make sure both sides are getting equal pressure. Also told him to check backing plates and A arm bushings. He agreed that bad bushings could "suck it out of alignment" while stopping and cause the car to pull. I think it could also possibly torque some part of the brakes until they rubbed, causing metal-on-metal contact and the screeching noise.

I did not mention lubing star adjuster innards with lith, but will let him know about this!

I supplied copies of the shop manual brake adjustment pages, and Ross' helpful hints on major adjustments. This mechanic actually listens to you and takes instructions seriously, asks good question, and offers good ideas. He totally understood the necessity to lay off the drums. (There is a bit of pulsation, but nothing I can't live with, and it might go away as linings get more broken in).

Anybody around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area looking for a mechanic like this, PM me. He's not a youngster, and is a car hobbiest himself, with a '69 Camaro.